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Comforting Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

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A simple, quick, and comforting spaghetti carbonara recipe featuring eggs, pancetta, Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper for a creamy, indulgent sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces dried spaghetti
  • 4 ounces diced pancetta or guanciale
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (about 100 grams)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, generous amount
  • Salt for pasta water and seasoning

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
  2. Add 12 ounces of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Test by tasting.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces diced pancetta and cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat but keep the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup finely grated Parmesan. Add a good pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. Set aside.
  5. Before draining spaghetti, scoop out 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta in a colander.
  6. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta fat (off the heat to avoid scrambling). Toss to coat evenly.
  7. Slowly pour egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing quickly to combine. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently, creating a creamy sauce.
  8. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick or sticky.
  9. Taste and add more black pepper if desired. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent curdling. Add egg mixture off the heat and toss quickly to avoid scrambling. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for authentic flavor. Leftovers should be reheated gently on stovetop with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: spaghetti carbonara, classic carbonara, easy pasta recipe, pancetta pasta, creamy pasta, quick dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://flurpchef.com/comforting-classic-spaghetti-carbonara-recipe-easy-step-by-step-guide/