Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti
- 4 ounces (113g) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the pancetta and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the pancetta and garlic mixture. Toss to combine.
- Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the hot spaghetti, stirring continuously to coat the pasta evenly. The residual heat from the spaghetti will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Season the spaghetti carbonara with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve the spaghetti carbonara immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Enjoy this classic Italian pasta dish with a glass of your favorite wine for a truly satisfying meal!
Spaghetti Carbonara is a timeless favorite that’s simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion!