The classic Italian dish: spaghetti carbonara. This rich and creamy pasta dish is a staple of Italian cuisine, and for good reason – its bold flavors and velvety texture are sure to satisfy even the heartiest of appetites.
What is Spaghetti Carbonara?
Spaghetti carbonara is a popular Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, bacon or pancetta, eggs, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The name “carbonara” comes from the Italian word for “coal miner,” as this hearty dish was originally designed to fill the bellies of coal miners working in the mines.
How to Cook Spaghetti Carbonara
Here’s a simple recipe to make a delicious spaghetti carbonara:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 6 slices of pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the egg mixture and toss to combine.
- Add the reserved pasta water to the bowl in small increments, stirring constantly, until the spaghetti is well coated with the egg mixture.
- Add the cooked pancetta or bacon to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
- Use guanciale (Italian cured pork jowl) instead of pancetta for an authentic flavor.
- Add some sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes to the dish for added flavor and texture.
- Substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for some of the egg mixture for a richer, creamier sauce.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Buon appetito! Enjoy your delicious spaghetti carbonara.
Text model: llama3
Image model: ZavyChromaXL
