The Best Carbonara

The Best Carbonara

4 servings
Now this is our idea of comfort food. Creamy and rich, it's the quintessential dish for a chilly evening. We like to splurge every once in a while and add a knob of butter to the cheesy egg sauce just to round it out. We've left that option up to you, however. Either way, we can't think of a more classic or satisfying pasta dish.

Ingredients

  • Kosher salt
  • eggs

    plus 2 large yolks

    4 large
  • Parmesan

    plus more for sprinkling

    1 c
  • Pecorino Romano
    ½ c
  • ground black pepper
    1 tbsp
  • unsalted butter

    at room temperature

    2 tbsp
  • spaghetti
    1 lb
  • One 12-ounce piece pancetta

    cut into matchsticks

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.

  2. 2

    Whisk together the eggs, yolks, Parmesan, Pecorino, pepper and butter if using in a large bowl until well combined.

  3. 3

    Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain the pasta.

  4. 4

    Meanwhile, cook the pancetta in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, about 8 minutes. Add the spaghetti and half the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet and toss to combine.

  5. 5

    Add the egg mixture and toss to coat. Cook, tossing continuously to avoid scrambling the eggs, until the sauce is creamy, thinning it with the remaining pasta water if it becomes too thick (it should be saucy but not watery), about 1 minute.

  6. 6

    Divide the pasta among plates and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan.

The Best Carbonara

The Best Carbonara

20 min4 servings728 cal

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About this Recipe

Indulge in The Best Carbonara: A Creamy Classic

When it comes to ultimate comfort food, The Best Carbonara reigns supreme. This iconic Italian pasta dish is a symphony of rich flavors and luxurious textures, making it the perfect main-dish choice for a cozy evening in. Our recipe for creamy Carbonara elevates this classic, ensuring every forkful is a truly satisfying experience.

What makes this Carbonara truly stand out? It's all about the balance. We combine a generous blend of freshly grated Parmesan and sharp Pecorino Romano with large eggs and yolks, creating an incredibly luscious sauce that clings beautifully to al dente spaghetti. The star of the show, crispy matchsticks of savory pancetta, adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy base. For those looking to truly splurge on comfort, we offer the optional addition of a knob of unsalted butter to the cheesy egg sauce. This simple trick rounds out the flavors, adding an unparalleled richness and depth that makes this spaghetti Carbonara exceptionally indulgent.

Crafting this dish is simpler than you might think, taking just about 20 minutes from start to finish. The key is to work quickly, allowing the heat from the pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to gently cook the eggs into a silky, emulsified sauce, rather than scrambling them. A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper adds a pungent kick, completing this quintessential Roman delicacy. Serve your rich pasta dish hot, perhaps with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for soaking up every last bit of that incredible sauce. It's a culinary journey you won't soon forget!

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