Authentic Pasta Carbonara Recipe Creamy, Savory, and Absolutely Delicious

Authentic Pasta Carbonara Recipe: Creamy, Savory, and Absolutely Delicious Imagine twirling a forkful of creamy, silky pasta with crispy pancetta and a hint of black pepper—that’s the magic of pasta carbonara! This classic Italian dish is pure comfort, combining simple ingredients to create a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for any occasion. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make! This recipe serves two people, making it ideal for a romantic dinner or a treat-yourself night. Here’s what you’ll need: 200g (about 7 oz) spaghetti or pasta of choice 100g (about 3.5 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced 2 large eggs 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Salt for the pasta water To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until it’s al dente. While it’s cooking, you can prep the rest of the ingredients—carbonara is all about timing! In a skillet over medium heat, add the diced pancetta or guanciale. Cook it until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-6 minutes. This gives the dish its savory, smoky flavor, adding that perfect crunchy bite. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat but keep the pancetta in the pan, allowing it to stay warm. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. This mixture is what gives carbonara its signature creamy texture—no cream needed! The key is to have a warm but not overly hot sauce, which is why timing is so important. When the pasta is ready, reserve a cup of the pasta water and then drain it. Add the hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing everything to combine. While the pasta is still hot, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over it, tossing constantly to coat. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently, creating that dreamy, creamy sauce. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency. Serve your carbonara hot, with an extra sprinkle of cheese and black pepper if desired. The result? A luxurious, creamy pasta dish that tastes like it came straight from an Italian trattoria. What’s your favorite way to put a twist on pasta carbonara? Share your ideas in the comments and let’s inspire each other to keep cooking up amazing dishes! #PastaCarbonara #ItalianComfortFood #CreamyCarbonara