Pasta Carbonara with Pancetta is a creamy and comforting dish that’s ready in no time! It features spaghetti tossed with crispy pancetta, eggs, and cheese, resulting in rich flavors.
Whenever I make this, I can’t help but smile. It’s such a treat to enjoy a warm plate of pasta with a splash of parmesan on top. Honestly, who can resist that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I like using spaghetti for its traditional style, but you can also swap in fettuccine, linguine, or even penne for a change. Just keep the cooking time in mind!
Pancetta: This gives a delightful flavor and crispiness. If pancetta isn’t available, you can use guanciale or even bacon. Just remember bacon has a stronger flavor, so adjust quantities to taste.
Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial for creating that creamy sauce. If you’re vegan, try using silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast as an alternative, though the texture will differ.
Cheese: Pecorino Romano is traditional, but if you can’t find it, Parmesan works too. I personally love a mix of both for added depth of flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Creamy Sauce?
The key to a creamy sauce is to combine the eggs with the hot pasta off the heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Ensure your pasta is hot when mixing, as this will help cook the eggs gently and create a smooth sauce.
- Work quickly, tossing the pasta as you add the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to reach your desired consistency while tossing. It’s all about getting that silkiness!
Remember to season generously with black pepper for a classic Carbonara touch! Enjoy the process, and your dish will turn out great!
Pasta Carbonara With Pancetta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or your preferred pasta
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and left whole (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Pasta Carbonara takes about 20 minutes from start to finish! You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and then just a few short minutes putting everything together. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti (or your chosen pasta). Cook according to the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Pancetta:
While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook it until it’s crispy and golden, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If you want, you can add the whole garlic cloves to the skillet while the pancetta cooks, letting them infuse their flavor. If you do this, make sure to remove the garlic cloves afterward.
3. Mix the Egg and Cheese:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, and add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Make sure to mix well until everything is combined and smooth.
4. Combine Pasta and Pancetta:
Now, add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the crispy pancetta. Make sure to do this off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Toss everything quickly to combine.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, and toss rapidly to create a creamy sauce. This is where the magic happens! If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little bit at a time until you reach your desired silky consistency.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give your pasta a taste, and feel free to add more freshly ground black pepper if you like. It’s the perfect way to enhance the flavors!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your Pasta Carbonara immediately. You can garnish it with extra grated cheese and some chopped parsley if you’d like. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Enjoy your creamy, savory Pasta Carbonara with crispy pancetta!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Pancetta?
Yes! You can substitute pancetta with guanciale or bacon. Keep in mind that bacon will give a stronger flavor, so adjust quantities accordingly. Guanciale is the most traditional substitute and will provide a similar rich flavor.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, replace the pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a similar texture, and you can also add some sautéed spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
What If My Sauce Turns Out Scrambled?
If your sauce does turn out scrambled, don’t worry! You can still make it work by blending it quickly in a food processor. Just blend until smooth, then mix it back into the pasta while gradually adding water until you achieve a creamy consistency again.