Authentic Italian Carbonara: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 200g of spaghetti
  • 100g of pancetta
  • 2 large eggs
  • 50g of Pecorino cheese, finely grated
  • 50g of Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 2 cloves of garlic, peeled

Steps and instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
  2. Meanwhile, cut the pancetta into small chunks and fry in a hot pan until crispy. Then remove from the heat.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in both the Pecorino and Parmesan cheese along with a good amount of black pepper.
  4. Crush the garlic and add it to the pan with the pancetta. Let it fry for about a minute.
  5. Once the spaghetti is cooked, save a cup of the pasta water and then drain the spaghetti.
  6. Remove the garlic from the pancetta pan, then add the drained spaghetti into the pan and toss well to coat in the pancetta fat.
  7. Still off the heat, add a little of the pasta water and then the egg and cheese mixture to the pan and quickly stir it through the spaghetti, which will cook the egg slightly and create a creamy sauce. Add more pasta water if needed for the desired consistency.
  8. Season with more black pepper and salt to taste, then serve immediately with a little extra cheese on top.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian Option: Replace the pancetta with diced mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free carbonara.
  • Spicy Twist: Add some red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers to the pancetta while frying to give the dish a spicy kick.
  • Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil to the egg and cheese mixture to enhance the flavors.
  • Extra Veggies: Toss in some sautéed vegetables like peas, asparagus, or spinach along with the spaghetti to add more nutrition and color.
  • Seafood Delight: Include cooked shrimp, scallops, or crab meat to the carbonara for a seafood twist.
  • Smoky Flavor: Substitute the pancetta with smoked bacon or smoked ham for a smokier taste.
  • Whole Wheat Option: Use whole wheat spaghetti instead of regular spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
  • Cheese Variation: Experiment with different types of cheese like Gruyere, Fontina, or Gouda to give the carbonara a unique flavor.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a classic Italian dish with our rich and creamy Carbonara recipe. This indulgent pasta dish combines perfectly cooked spaghetti with crispy pancetta, a creamy egg and cheese sauce, all subtly infused with garlic and a generous grind of black pepper. This recipe is conveniently quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great choice for a midweek meal. Despite its simplicity, Carbonara is filled with flavor, guaranteeing a satisfying and comforting meal every time. Cooking Carbonara involves a unique technique of creating a sauce using the pasta's starchy water, raw eggs, and cheese, which makes for a delightful culinary experience. This recipe serves two, perfect for a cozy dinner for two or a solo dinner with leftovers for the next day.

Common questions

  1. Can I use bacon instead of pancetta? Yes, you can substitute pancetta with bacon if pancetta is not available.
  2. Can I use spaghetti alternatives like linguine or fettuccine? Absolutely, you can use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti if you prefer.
  3. Is it necessary to use both Pecorino and Parmesan cheese? While it is traditional to use both cheeses, you can use just one type if you prefer or based on what you have available.
  4. How do I achieve the desired creaminess of the sauce? The creaminess of the sauce is achieved by quickly stirring the egg and cheese mixture with the hot pasta and adding pasta water gradually. This helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
  5. Can I add vegetables or other ingredients to this recipe? Carbonara is traditionally made with pancetta and cheese, but you can definitely add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or spinach if you'd like to incorporate more ingredients.
  6. Is it safe to eat eggs that are only partially cooked? The heat from the pasta and hot pan will partially cook the eggs in the sauce, but if you have concerns about using partially cooked eggs, you can use pasteurized eggs or cook the sauce over low heat to ensure the eggs are fully cooked.
  7. How can I reheat carbonara? Carbonara is best enjoyed immediately after preparation. However, if you need to reheat leftovers, it's recommended to do so gently over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - For boiling the spaghetti
  • Frying pan - To cook the pancetta
  • Bowl - For beating the eggs and mixing the cheese
  • Garlic crusher - To crush the garlic cloves
  • Tongs - For tossing the spaghetti with the pancetta and sauce
  • Grater - To finely grate the Pecorino and Parmesan cheese
  • Pepper grinder - To grind fresh black pepper
  • Cheese shaker - For serving extra cheese on top

Origin stories

Carbonara is an iconic dish hailing from Rome, Italy, with its name derived from the Italian word for charcoal, "carbone". Despite its worldwide fame, the exact origins of this delightful dish remain shrouded in mystery. One of the most beloved tales is that it was created as a hearty meal for Italian charcoal workers, the 'carbonai'. These workers, cloaked in the dusk of their trade, would craft a rich, fulfilling, and simple dish using the ingredients they had on hand: cured pork, cheese, eggs, and pasta. The black pepper sprinkled liberally over the finished dish was said to mimic the charcoal dust that was the signature of their craft. Today, as you enjoy your Carbonara, you are savoring a dish that encapsulates the resourcefulness and tenacity of Rome's historic working class. A taste, not just of exquisite flavor, but of culture and history.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.