How to Make Pasta Carbonara with Easy Steps and Ingredients

guanciale

🥗Healthier: pancetta

💰Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta is more accessible, while bacon offers a budget-friendly option.

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan is a lower-fat alternative, and Grana Padano is often less expensive.

Bring four quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.

Season the water with 1 tablespoon of salt and stir to dissolve.

Add 1 pound of dried spaghetti to the pot and stir to prevent sticking.

Cook spaghetti until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes.

While pasta cooks, heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Add diced pancetta to the pan and sauté until crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Reserve 3 to 4 tablespoons of the rendered grease from the pancetta.

Transfer cooked pancetta to a plate and add hot pasta directly from the boiling water into the pan with the grease, tossing to coat the noodles.

In a large metal bowl, combine 2 large eggs, 4 egg yolks, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk to combine.

Add the pasta to the egg mixture, tossing to combine.

Gradually add 1/2 cup of starchy pasta water to the bowl while tossing to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.

Set up a makeshift bain-marie by bringing water to a boil in a pot and placing the bowl on top, ensuring it doesn't touch the water.

Stir and toss the pasta for about 3 to 5 minutes to thicken the sauce and coat the noodles.

Serve the pasta garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens