Creamy Pancetta Carbonara
A timeless Italian classic that beautifully balances creamy, savory flavors. This Creamy Pancetta Carbonara is the ultimate comforting dish, perfect for those busy weeknights or special occasions. Featuring al dente spaghetti or perciatelli tossed in a rich sauce of egg, cheese, and crispy pancetta, it's a comforting hug on a plate. Even pasta skeptics will find their hearts warmed, as the marriage of flavors satisfies every craving for a hearty meal. To lighten the meal, serve it alongside a refreshing salad.
4
Servings
600
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti or perciatelli
1 lb (cooked)
eggs
3 (raw)
parmesan cheese or romano cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
pancetta or bacon
1/2 lb (cut into pieces)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (ground)
butter
4 tablespoons (melted)
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the spaghetti or perciatelli and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
2
While the pasta is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the raw eggs and grated cheese until thoroughly combined. Season generously with fresh ground pepper.
3
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4
When the pasta is ready, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta. Immediately add the hot pasta to the egg and cheese mixture, quickly tossing to coat the pasta. The heat from the spaghetti will gently cook the eggs, giving you a creamy sauce.
5
Add the crispy pancetta and melted butter to the pasta, mixing thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, adjust the consistency with a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
6
Serve the carbonara immediately, garnished with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.
Nutrition Information
32.5g
Fat
45g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Pancetta Carbonara?
Creamy Pancetta Carbonara is a timeless Italian classic that balances savory flavors with a rich sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the primary ingredients in this carbonara?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of spaghetti or perciatelli, 3 eggs, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese, 1/2 lb of pancetta or bacon, fresh ground pepper, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
You should use either spaghetti or perciatelli for the best results.
Can I use bacon if I do not have pancetta?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 lb of bacon for the pancetta.
How many calories are in one serving of this dish?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
How much fat is in a serving of Creamy Pancetta Carbonara?
There are 32.5 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
How do you cook the eggs without scrambling them?
The hot pasta is added immediately to the egg and cheese mixture; the residual heat from the spaghetti gently cooks the eggs to create a creamy sauce without scrambling them.
What should I do if the carbonara sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of the reserved pasta cooking water.
How long do I cook the pancetta?
The pancetta should be cooked in a skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until it is golden brown and crispy.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the sauce?
Grated parmesan cheese or romano cheese are the recommended choices.
Is butter included in this version of carbonara?
Yes, this recipe includes 4 tablespoons of melted butter mixed into the pasta for added richness.
How much pasta water should I reserve?
You should reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Should the pasta be cooked fully or al dente?
The pasta should be cooked until it is al dente, according to the package instructions.
How is the dish garnished?
Garnish the carbonara with additional grated cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as a 30-minute meal and a quick meal option.
What can I serve with Creamy Pancetta Carbonara to lighten the meal?
A refreshing salad is recommended as a side dish to balance the richness of the pasta.
What is the preparation for the pancetta?
The pancetta should be cut into pieces before cooking.
Do I whisk the eggs and cheese together?
Yes, you should whisk together the raw eggs and grated cheese in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
What is the texture of the final sauce?
The final sauce should be creamy and rich, coating the pasta evenly.
Can I use black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, fresh ground pepper is used both in the sauce and as a final garnish to taste.
What type of food category does this fall under?
It is categorized as Italian pasta and comfort food.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The tags include: italian, pasta, quick meal, comfort food, carbonara, pancetta, 30-minute meal, rich, and creamy.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 6 total ingredients required for this dish.
When should the pancetta be added to the pasta?
Add the crispy pancetta to the pasta after the hot pasta has been tossed with the egg and cheese mixture.
Do I need to boil the water with salt?
Yes, begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Should the butter be melted before adding?
Yes, the recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of melted butter to be mixed thoroughly into the pasta.
Does this recipe contain fiber or sugar?
According to the nutritional data provided, the fiber and sugar content are negligible or not specified.