Spaghetti Carbonara: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

Spaghetti Carbonara: A Classic Italian Comfort Food

Spaghetti Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish that captures the essence of comfort food with its creamy sauce, savory pancetta, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. This classic recipe is simple yet sophisticated, making it a perfect choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients:
– 400 grams of spaghetti
– 200 grams of pancetta (or guanciale), diced
– 2 large eggs
– 100 grams of Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook the Spaghetti:
– Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the Sauce:
– In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Set aside.

3. Cook the Pancetta:
– In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until it is crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
– Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat with the pancetta and garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat. Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to combine. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to reach the desired sauce consistency.

5. Season and Serve:
– Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan and black pepper if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Carbonara, a dish that brings the heart of Italy to your table!