Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Savour the rich, creamy taste of Italy with this delectable spaghetti carbonara recipe.

This classic Italian dish is a favorite for many, and for good reason. With its creamy, velvety sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and the irresistible combination of bacon and cheese, it’s hard not to fall in love with this meal.

In this article, we’ll provide you with the ultimate step-by-step guide to creating an authentic spaghetti carbonara that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds!). So, let’s dive into the world of this delicious Italian classic.

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If you like pasta recipes, why not check out my famous Chicken & Pesto Pasta?

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What is Spaghetti Carbonara?

Spaghetti carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish originating from Rome. It’s made with simple, high-quality ingredients such as eggs, pecorino cheese, bacon, and spaghetti.

The dish is known for its rich, creamy sauce that is created by combining the ingredients with the hot pasta, resulting in a velvety, smooth texture that perfectly coats the spaghetti.

Choosing the Right Pasta

Selecting the right pasta for your spaghetti carbonara recipe is essential. Opt for high-quality spaghetti that is made from 100% durum wheat. This will ensure your pasta holds its shape and texture while cooking and doesn’t become too soft or mushy.

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Guanciale vs Pancetta Traditional spaghetti carbonara recipes call for guanciale, which is an Italian cured meat made from pork cheek. However. if vou can’t find guanciale, pancetta is an acceptable substitute. Pancetta is an Italian-style bacon made from pork belly and has a similar taste and texture to guanciale.

Ingredients for the Ultimate Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Via: cravinghomecooked.com (link)

To create the best spaghetti carbonara recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

400g spaghetti
4 large eggs
100g grated Pecorino Romano cheese
150g guanciale or pancetta, diced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to create your delicious spaghetti carbonara. Follow these simple steps for a mouth-watering, authentic Italian dish:

Cook the spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, which means the pasta is still firm when bitten. This should take around 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti 🍝
Prepare the egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside the egg mixture 🍳
Cook the guanciale or pancetta: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced guanciale or pancetta and cook until it’s crispy and golden brown. If you’re using garlic, add it to the pan during the last minute of cooking.
Combine the pasta and meat: Remove the skillet from the heat and add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the guanciale or pancetta. Toss the pasta to coat it with the rendered fat.
Create the carbonara sauce: Slowly pour the egg mixture over the spaghetti while quickly tossing the pasta to evenly.

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What can spaghetti carbonara be served with?

Spaghetti carbonara is a rich and flavorful dish on its own, but it can be enhanced by serving it with complementary side dishes, salads, or beverages.

Here are some suggestions to elevate your spaghetti carbonara dining experience:

Simple green salad: A light, fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the carbonara. The acidic dressing will cut through the creaminess of the pasta, providing a refreshing contrast.
Garlic bread: Crispy, warm garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any pasta meal. It can be used to soak up any leftover sauce on the plate and complements the savory flavors of the carbonara.
Roasted or steamed vegetables: Serve your spaghetti carbonara with a side of roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus, green beans, or broccoli, for added texture and nutrients. The vegetables can be seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, or dressed up with a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Bruschetta: A classic Italian antipasto, bruschetta is a delicious option to serve alongside your spaghetti carbonara. The combination of fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil on toasted bread slices provides a burst of freshness that pairs well with the creamy pasta.
Caprese salad: A traditional Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic glaze, caprese salad is another refreshing side dish option that complements the flavors of spaghetti carbonara.
Wine pairing: Enhance your dining experience by serving your spaghetti
carbonara with a glass of wine. A crisp, dry white wine like a Vermentino or a Fiano would work well, as they can balance the richness of the dish. If you prefer red wine, a light-bodied Chianti or a Barbera d’Alba with good acidity can also be a great choice.

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