Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta is a creamy and comforting dish that features spaghetti tossed in a rich sauce made with eggs and cheese. The crispy pancetta adds a delicious salty touch!
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds! I love how quick it is to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for anyone—yes, even if you’re tired from work! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Spaghetti: This classic dish typically uses spaghetti, but you can swap it for any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine. Just ensure it cooks to a perfect al dente for the best texture!
Pancetta: If pancetta isn’t available, you can use diced bacon or guanciale. Bacon will give a smokier flavor, while guanciale keeps it authentic and delicious!
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are essential for that creamy sauce. If you want a lighter version, you could use egg whites or a mix of whole eggs and egg yolks, but the richness will lessen.
Pecorino Romano Cheese: While Pecorino Romano has a strong flavor, Parmesan works well too. For a twist, try a mix of both for a different taste profile!
How Do I Get the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
Getting the right sauce texture is crucial and can be tricky! Here’s how to do it smoothly:
- Make sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture. This prevents scrambling!
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture in slowly while you toss the pasta continuously. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a creamy consistency.
With practice, you’ll master this technique, and your carbonara will impress every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Pasta Carbonara With Pancetta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
For The Sauce:
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan)
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Carbonara will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus another 10-15 minutes for cooking. So, you can have this creamy dish ready in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful meal any time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Spaghetti:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. This starchy water is essential for creating a creamy sauce!
2. Crisp the Pancetta:
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook it until it’s crispy and browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you like, you can add the peeled garlic cloves in the pan to add some extra flavor, but remember to take them out before adding the pasta!
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. This is what gives your sauce that beautiful, creamy texture and flavor!
4. Combine Pasta and Pancetta:
When your pasta is ready and drained, add it to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Make sure to toss it well so that the spaghetti is coated with the tasty pancetta fat.
5. Make it Creamy:
Remove the skillet from heat, then slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta while tossing everything together vigorously. This step is essential to ensure your eggs cook gently and form a creamy sauce, not scrambled eggs. If needed, you can add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
6. Final Touches:
Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more black pepper or a pinch of salt if necessary. The pancetta should add enough flavor, so be careful not to over-salt!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pasta Carbonara immediately, topped with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley if you like. Enjoy this comforting and authentic dish!
Your Pasta Carbonara with crispy pancetta is ready to impress. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use Bacon Instead of Pancetta?
Absolutely! Bacon can be used as a substitute if pancetta isn’t available. Just keep in mind that bacon will add a smokier flavor to the dish.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, you can omit the pancetta and use sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for added flavor. You can also incorporate some cooked peas for a bit of sweetness and color!
What Should I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If your sauce turns out too thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, while tossing until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil and gently heat on the stove to refresh the sauce.