Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s creamy, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make. With crispy pancetta and a luscious egg-and-cheese sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. This recipe serves two and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 50g parmesan, grated
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
- Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help create a creamy sauce later.
- Prepare the pancetta: Heat a large skillet over medium heat while the pasta is cooking. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it’s crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. If you want to add a touch of flavor, toss in the minced garlic in the last minute of cooking—just be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can ruin the dish.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs and add the grated parmesan. Whisk until well combined. This will be your creamy sauce! Make sure to have this ready to go, as you’ll need to mix it in while the pasta is still hot.
- Combine pasta and pancetta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and quickly add it to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Remove the pan from the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, using tongs to toss everything together quickly. The pasta’s heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste the pasta and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. The pancetta is already salty, so be cautious with the salt. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional parmesan if desired. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor!
Tossed to perfection, this dish is sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan and a touch of black pepper for extra flavor. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, this recipe will become a favorite in your kitchen.
Nutrient Breakdown (per serving):
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fat: 22g
Potential Allergies: This dish contains gluten (from the pasta) and dairy (from the eggs and cheese). Feel free to swap for gluten-free pasta and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.