Creamy, Authentic Carbonara Spaghetti: A Must Try Italian Classic
Creamy, Authentic Carbonara Spaghetti: A Must-Try Italian Classic If you’ve been dreaming of a creamy, indulgent pasta without a drop of cream, carbonara spaghetti is calling your name. This Italian classic combines simple ingredients into a rich, silky sauce that wraps every strand of spaghetti in cheesy, savory perfection. It’s a dish that feels both elegant and comforting, ideal for a cozy dinner or impressing guests with authentic Italian flavors. This recipe serves two, making it perfect for a date night or a special dinner at home. Here’s what you’ll need: 200g (about 7 oz) spaghetti 100g (about 3.5 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced 2 large eggs 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese Freshly ground black pepper to taste Salt for the pasta water To start, cook the spaghetti in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it’s al dente. Carbonara is all about timing, so be ready to prep the rest while your pasta cooks. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or guanciale over medium heat until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-6 minutes. This savory, smoky flavor from the pancetta is the heart of a great carbonara, giving each bite an irresistible taste. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat, keeping the pancetta in the pan to stay warm. While the pancetta cooks, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese in a small bowl, along with a generous amount of black pepper. This mixture will become the sauce, coating each strand of spaghetti in a smooth, creamy layer. It’s crucial to keep this mixture at room temperature, as the heat from the pasta will gently cook it without curdling. Once the pasta is done, reserve a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Immediately add the hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to mix the flavors. Off the heat, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to create a glossy, creamy sauce that clings to each noodle. Serve the carbonara spaghetti hot, with extra cheese and black pepper if you’re feeling indulgent. The result? A restaurant-quality dish that’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make at home. Do you add any secret ingredients or twists to your carbonara spaghetti? Share your tips in the comments and let’s create a community of carbonara lovers! #CarbonaraSpaghetti #ItalianClassic #CreamyWithoutCream