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How to Make Authentic Pasta Carbonara | The Stay At Home Chef

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Pasta Carbonara

Cultural Context

Originating in Rome's working-class trattorias, Carbonara was a hearty meal for charcoal workers (carbonari). The dish celebrates simple ingredients—eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—transformed through technique. Today it's beloved worldwide, though purists insist on guanciale over bacon.

ItalianITLaziomain
20 min
easy
4 servings
Servings4
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound spaghetti noodles
1 pound diced thick cut bacon
4 egg yolks
2 whole eggs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1/2 cup reserved pasta water
freshly chopped parsley
black pepper

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.

1

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

2

Cook 1 pound of spaghetti noodles according to the package directions.

3

In a cold skillet, add 1 pound of diced thick cut bacon.

4

Turn up the heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.

5

In a bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 2 whole eggs, and 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.

6

Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of pasta water just before the pasta is done cooking.

7

Once the bacon is crispy, drain off the excess grease but leave in 1 to 2 tablespoons for flavor.

8

Turn the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti pasta and the egg mixture to the skillet with bacon.

9

Add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and toss everything together quickly.

10

Gradually add more pasta water until the desired consistency for the sauce is achieved, cooking for about 2 minutes over low heat.

11

Serve hot topped with freshly chopped parsley, black pepper, and more Pecorino Romano cheese.

Cooking Techniques

boilingmixingtossing

Equipment Needed

large potskilletmixing bowlwhiskglass measuring cup

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Allergens

glutendairy

Also Known As

Spaghetti alla CarbonaraRoman Carbonara
Local Name: Pasta alla Carbonara

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