Pasta Carbonara: A Classic Italian Recipe
Pasta Carbonara is one of the most beloved Italian dishes, renowned for its simple yet rich flavors. With just a handful of ingredients like eggs, Parmesan cheese, bacon, and pasta, you can create a creamy and delicious sauce that's perfect for a quick yet refined meal. This classic dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, featuring crispy bacon, a velvety sauce, and a hint of garlic. Follow this recipe for an authentic carbonara that is sure to impress!
Ingredients
- 150 grams spaghetti
- 4 egg yolks (medium)
- 1 whole egg (medium)
- 75 grams Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 150 grams bacon (such as guanciale or pancetta, diced)
- 1 clove garlic (finely chopped, optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt, to taste
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until ‘al dente’ (firm to the bite).
- 2
While the pasta is cooking, place the egg yolks and the whole egg in a bowl. Mix them together with half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- 3
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until it is browned and slightly crispy. If desired, add the finely chopped garlic and sauté for a minute, then reduce the heat.
- 4
Quickly use tongs to transfer the cooked spaghetti from the pot directly into the skillet with the bacon. Reserve some of the pasta cooking water.
- 5
Gradually add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring quickly with tongs to combine. Add small amounts of the reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Be generous with the water to achieve the desired consistency.
- 6
Season the pasta with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt, if necessary. Stir in the chopped parsley.
- 7
Plate the pasta and top with the remaining grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious Pasta Carbonara!