Pasta Carbonara is a creamy, comforting dish that’s super simple to make! With just a few ingredients like pasta, eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta, it’s a hit every time.
Honestly, who can resist those crunchy bits of pancetta? They make the dish so tasty! I love how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for busy nights when I’m hungry! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Spaghetti is the classic choice for Carbonara, but you can use fettuccine, linguine, or even bucatini if you prefer. Just be sure to stick with long pasta for that traditional feel!
Pancetta: This adds a nice salty, savory flavor. If you can’t find pancetta, go for bacon or guanciale. They both bring great taste, but note that guanciale is a bit richer. Turkey bacon is another option for a lighter dish.
Cheese: Pecorino Romano is traditional and gives a sharp, salty taste, but Parmesan works well too. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or look for a dairy-free cheese alternative. I prefer Pecorino for that authentic taste!
Eggs: While the recipe calls for large eggs, using just egg yolks can give you an even creamier sauce. If you have egg allergies, a product like silken tofu blended can work as a substitute, but it will change the flavor and texture.
How Do You Get the Perfect Creamy Sauce Without Scrambling the Eggs?
Creating that creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs is essential. The key is to work quickly with the heat of the pasta. Here’s what to do:
- After draining the pasta, make sure to add it directly to the hot skillet with the pancetta. This will keep the pasta hot.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta swiftly. The heat should be just enough to cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- Stir quickly and gently. The goal is to emulsify everything into a smooth sauce. If it looks too thick, add a little reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Don’t leave the pan on the heat when you add the egg mixture; the residual heat is enough!
With these tips, you’ll serve up a Carbonara that’s creamy and delicious every time!
Pasta Carbonara With Pancetta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or other long pasta
- 150g (5 oz) pancetta, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if pancetta is lean)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Carbonara takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the pasta and another 10 minutes preparing the sauce and combining everything. It’s a quick and tasty meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. You want it firm but not hard!
2. Prepare the Pancetta:
While the pasta is boiling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta (and olive oil if you’re using lean pancetta) to the skillet. Cook until the pancetta is crispy and golden brown. If you like garlic, you can add the whole cloves for flavor but remember to remove them later!
3. Mix the Egg and Cheese:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and a good amount of freshly ground black pepper. This will create a rich, creamy base for your sauce. Set it aside for the moment.
4. Reserve Pasta Water:
Before you drain the pasta, remember to save about a cup of the pasta cooking water. You’ll use this later to adjust the sauce’s consistency!
5. Combine Pasta and Pancetta:
Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Toss everything together, removing any garlic cloves if you used them. This helps the pasta soak up those tasty flavors!
6. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, it’s time for the magic! Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Toss or stir vigorously to coat the pasta, using the heat to cook the eggs gently. This will give you that lovely creamy sauce! If it looks too thick, just add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish up your delicious Pasta Carbonara right away! Top it with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper for an even better flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Bacon Instead of Pancetta?
Absolutely! Bacon is a great substitute for pancetta if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that bacon is smokier, which will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms to add depth of flavor. You can sauté chopped mushrooms in olive oil until golden brown, then follow the recipe as usual, omitting the pancetta. Nutritional yeast can also be used in place of cheese for a cheesy flavor!
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually while tossing the pasta until you achieve the desired creaminess. Remember to add it a little at a time to avoid making it too runny!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of water or extra cheese to help loosen the sauce and maintain its creaminess.