There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy Carbonara Pasta! This classic Italian dish is rich, comforting, and surprisingly simple to make. With crispy pancetta, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, it’s a recipe that feels fancy but is easy enough for a weeknight. This was my first attempt at making carbonara, and it turned out so delicious that I just had to share it with you. Let’s get in!
Method
Cook the Pasta
Begin by preparing the spaghetti, which will serve as the foundation for your creamy Carbonara. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 160g of spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Al dente pasta is firm to the bite yet fully cooked, providing the perfect texture for absorbing the rich sauce. Before draining, reserve about 100ml of the pasta water, as it will be essential for achieving the desired creamy consistency in the sauce. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti using a colander and set it aside while you prepare the other components of the dish.
Cook the Pancetta
While the pasta is cooking, focus on preparing the pancetta, which adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor to the Carbonara. Heat a frying pan or grill pan over medium heat and add the 70g of diced pancetta. If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, you can also add the optional 2 crushed garlic cloves at this stage. Cook the pancetta, stirring occasionally, until it becomes crispy and the fat has rendered, usually about 5-7 minutes. The crispy pancetta will contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce, adding texture and depth to the dish. Once cooked, remove the pancetta from the pan and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan to infuse the sauce with additional flavor.
Prepare the Sauce
Now, create the velvety cheese sauce that will bring the Carbonara together. In a mixing bowl, crack one whole egg and add two egg yolks. Grate 40g of Parmesan cheese into the bowl, and season the mixture with freshly ground black pepper to taste. Using a whisk or fork, vigorously mix the eggs, yolks, and Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and well combined. The eggs and cheese will form the creamy base of the Carbonara, so ensure there are no lumps and the mixture is consistent.
Combine Everything
With the pasta cooked and the pancetta crispy, it’s time to bring all the elements together to form the classic Carbonara sauce. Return the cooked spaghetti to the frying pan with the rendered pancetta fat over low heat. Toss the pasta to ensure it is well-coated with the flavorful fat. Carefully pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly and continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Gradually add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, while stirring, until the sauce reaches a creamy and glossy consistency that clings to each strand of spaghetti. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a rich and silky sauce without curdling.
Add Pancetta and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened and the pasta is evenly coated, fold the crispy pancetta back into the dish, distributing it throughout the spaghetti for an added burst of flavor and texture. Transfer the creamy Carbonara Pasta to serving plates, ensuring each portion has a generous amount of pancetta and a luscious coating of sauce. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese and a fresh grind of black pepper on top of each serving. This final garnish enhances the flavor and adds a beautiful presentation to your warm and comforting Carbonara. Serve immediately while the pasta is still hot and the cheese is perfectly melted, allowing you to enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this classic Italian favorite.
Simple Carbonara Pasta
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Frying pan (for cooking pancetta)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for mixing the sauce)
- Tongs or spatula (for tossing the pasta)
Ingredients
- 160 g spaghetti
- 70 g diced pancetta
- 40 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 whole egg
- 2 egg yolks
- Black pepper to taste
- 100 ml reserved pasta water
- 2 crushed garlic cloves optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 100ml of the pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: Cook the Pancetta. In a frying pan, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat. Add the crushed garlic if using, and cook until the pancetta is crispy and the fat has rendered. Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Prepare the Sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the whole egg, egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and a generous amount of black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Combine Everything. With the heat off, return the cooked spaghetti to the frying pan (with the pancetta fat). Toss the pasta to coat it in the fat. Add the egg mixture and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir quickly to combine, allowing the residual heat to thicken the sauce into a creamy, glossy consistency. Be careful not to scramble the eggs.
- Step 5: Add Pancetta and Serve. Stir the crispy pancetta back into the pasta. Plate it up and sprinkle with extra Parmesan and black pepper, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Use High Heat for the Sauce: When adding the egg mixture, make sure the pan is off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save some pasta water—it’s essential for achieving the glossy sauce.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Slightly firm pasta holds up better to the sauce and gives a better texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a simple green salad and a tangy vinaigrette.
- Serve with garlic bread or a slice of toasted ciabatta for a classic combo.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for extra flavor.
Fun Fact
Did you know that authentic carbonara doesn’t use cream? The creamy texture comes from the mixture of eggs, Parmesan, and pasta water, which emulsify into a rich sauce. It’s a true example of how simple ingredients can create incredible flavors!
Conclusion
This Simple Carbonara Pasta is proof that sometimes, the simplest dishes are the most satisfying. With just a few ingredients and a little technique, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how much you love it! 🍝🧀✨