Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and savory flavor profile. Originating from Rome, it typically consists of spaghetti or fettuccine noodles tossed with a sauce made from eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and cured pork such as bacon or pancetta.
Creating Creamy Carbonara is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. From cooking the pasta to tempering the eggs, each step requires precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Creamy Carbonara is best enjoyed hot off the stove, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon or pancetta over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.
In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add minced garlic and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
Return the skillet with the garlic to low heat. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour the creamy egg mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Season the carbonara with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while still warm.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, meaning it's firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy texture.
Temper Eggs: When adding the egg and cheese mixture to the hot pasta, be sure to temper the eggs by gradually adding a small amount of hot pasta water. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a creamy sauce.
Don't Forget the Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta or bacon adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Cook it until crispy for maximum flavor and texture.
Seasoning Matters: Season the pasta water generously with salt before cooking the pasta. This flavors the pasta from within and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Toss Off the Heat: Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta. Toss the pasta quickly to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring a creamy texture.
Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Conversely, if it's too thin, allow it to cook for a bit longer to thicken.
Serve Immediately: Creamy Carbonara is best served immediately after tossing with the sauce to prevent it from becoming gummy or dry.
Enjoy your Creamy Carbonara!
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