Decadent Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta
Indulge in the creamy and savory delight of our Decadent Spaghetti Carbonara. This classic Italian dish is an excellent way to impress your guests or pamper yourself with a gourmet meal at home. The smoky pancetta, rich heavy cream, and luscious Parmesan cheese create a beautifully balanced sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti. Perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner, it's a dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart, with a few tweaks to enhance flavors and textures, making it a truly memorable experience for pasta lovers.
6
Servings
533
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
Pancetta
10 ounces (cut into 1/2-inch dice)
Spaghetti
1 lb (none)
Heavy cream
1 cup (none)
Egg yolks
4 large (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 cups (grated (5 oz.))
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly cracked)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2
In a heavy skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced pancetta and cook until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
3
In the boiling water, carefully add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
4
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-blended.
5
Return the drained spaghetti to the saucepan over low heat. Immediately pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing quickly to coat the pasta evenly without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta cooking water little by little if the sauce is too thick.
6
Fold in the warm pancetta along with any rendered fat. Toss everything together until thoroughly combined.
7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Nutrition Information
35g
Fat
37g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta?
It is a creamy and savory classic Italian dish made with smoky pancetta, rich heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this carbonara recipe?
The recipe specifies using 1 lb of spaghetti.
How much pancetta is required?
You will need 10 ounces of pancetta for this dish.
How should the pancetta be prepared before cooking?
The pancetta should be cut into 1/2-inch dice.
What are the primary ingredients in the creamy sauce?
The sauce is made from a mixture of heavy cream, egg yolks, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How many egg yolks are used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 large egg yolks.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 2 cups (approximately 5 oz.) of grated Parmesan cheese.
What is the approximate cooking time for the spaghetti?
The spaghetti should be cooked until al dente, which typically takes about 8 minutes.
Why is it important to reserve pasta cooking water?
A cup of reserved pasta water is used to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick when combined with the pasta.
How many calories are in one serving of this Carbonara?
There are 533 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 35g of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide per serving?
Each serving provides 20g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 37g of carbohydrates per serving.
Who is the original source for this adapted recipe?
This recipe is adapted from Martha Stewart.
What oil is used to cook the pancetta?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How long should I cook the pancetta?
Cook the pancetta over medium heat until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
What is the key to preventing the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?
The key is to toss the pasta quickly with the egg and cheese mixture over low heat to coat it evenly without solidifying the eggs.
What seasonings are added to the egg and cream mixture?
The mixture is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
When should the pancetta be added to the pasta?
Fold in the warm pancetta along with any rendered fat after the pasta has been coated with the egg and cheese mixture.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
The dish should be garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is described as being perfect for both special occasions and comforting weeknight dinners.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
Does this recipe include heavy cream?
Yes, it uses 1 cup of heavy cream to create a decadent sauce.
What temperature should the pancetta be when added to the pasta?
The pancetta should be kept warm after cooking until it is ready to be folded into the spaghetti.
Can I adjust the seasoning at the end?
Yes, you should taste the final dish and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
How much black pepper is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of freshly cracked black pepper.
What size pot should I use for the pasta?
You should use a large pot of salted water to boil the spaghetti.
What is the total amount of cheese by weight?
The recipe specifies 5 ounces of grated Parmesan cheese.
Should the pasta be served immediately?
Yes, the recipe recommends serving the dish immediately for the best texture and flavor.