Pasta carbonara is a creamy, flavorful Italian dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. It’s known for its rich, silky sauce that clings to each strand of pasta. The recipe is simple, yet it creates a comforting and delicious meal that feels elegant. Many people enjoy it because it requires only a handful of ingredients but delivers amazing taste.
This pasta carbonara recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a quick but satisfying dinner. The beauty of this dish is its balance of creaminess and savory flavor from pancetta. With easy steps and a short cooking time, anyone can prepare it at home. It’s a classic recipe that has been loved for generations and continues to be a favorite around the world.
Why You’ll Love This Pasta Carbonara Recipe
You’ll love this pasta carbonara recipe because it uses simple pantry ingredients but creates a restaurant-quality dish in minutes.
This recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and savory flavor without using heavy cream, making it rich yet light.
It is quick to prepare, ready in less than 30 minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or last-minute meal.
The recipe is versatile, allowing you to adjust the cheese, pasta type, or meat to match your taste and style.
Pre-preparation of Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Before you start, gather all the ingredients and keep them ready. Grate fresh Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for the best flavor. Dice the pancetta into small cubes. Whisk eggs with grated cheese in a bowl. Boil pasta water with salt and keep tongs ready for mixing. Preparing everything ahead will help the cooking process move smoothly and quickly.
Ingredients
Pasta Carbonara Recipe Ingredients:
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12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
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4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
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2 large eggs
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1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Salt, to taste
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Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook pancetta until crispy, then remove from heat.
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In a bowl, whisk eggs with grated cheese.
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Add hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta. Toss well.
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Slowly add egg mixture, stirring quickly to avoid scrambling. Add a splash of pasta water to make it creamy.
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Season with black pepper, mix well, and serve warm with extra cheese on top.
FAQs About Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
Yes, bacon works well and gives a smoky flavor to pasta carbonara.
Why did my sauce turn scrambled?
The eggs may have cooked too fast; stir off the heat and add pasta water slowly.
Do I need cream for pasta carbonara?
No, traditional pasta carbonara uses only eggs, cheese, and pasta water for creaminess.
Can I make pasta carbonara ahead of time?
It tastes best fresh, but you can prep ingredients early and cook just before serving.
