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Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that combines glossy, creamy egg and cheese sauce with crispy pancetta, flavored with black pepper. The dish is prepared by sautéing pancetta, whisking eggs with cheese, and tossing everything together until coated in a rich, smooth sauce. The final appearance is a lustrous, slightly smoky pasta with bits of crispy meat and a dusting of black pepper.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti fresh or dried
  • 4 ounces pancetta diced
  • 3 large eggs beaten lightly
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Frying pan or skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Chef’s knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the spaghetti until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly frothy.
  4. Return the drained pasta to the hot skillet (off heat), add the cooked pancetta, and toss well to combine. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta while tossing continuously. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently, creating a creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
  5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper and extra Parmesan if desired. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the noodles, with bits of pancetta visible throughout.