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Authentic Carbonara

A quick and easy Italian dish featuring creamy spaghetti intertwined with crispy pancetta and rich Parmesan cheese, perfect for dinner nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
  • 200 g spaghetti Use your favorite type of spaghetti.
  • 100 g pancetta High-quality pancetta is preferred for authentic flavor.
  • 2 large egg yolks Fresh egg yolks give the sauce a rich texture.
  • 50 g grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor.
  • 1 clove garlic Optional, can be minced for extra flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste Adjust according to preference.
  • Parsley for garnish Optional for presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted water.
  2. Meanwhile, in a pan, cook the pancetta until crispy. If using, add minced garlic and sauté for a minute.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of pepper.
Combining
  1. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  2. Add the hot pasta to the pan with pancetta and mix well.
  3. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve a creamy consistency.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality pancetta or guanciale. Reserve pasta water for achieving creamy texture. Can substitute regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free versions.