Delicious Penne alla Carbonara with Crispy Pancetta
Indulge in this rich and creamy Penne alla Carbonara inspired by Giada De Laurentiis. This delightful Italian classic combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with crispy pancetta, a velvety cream sauce, and a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Topped with fresh parsley, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience to share with family and friends. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
4
Servings
625
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pancetta
1 lb (Diced into 1 inch cubes)
Sea Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Eggs
6 (At room temperature)
Heavy Cream
1/2 cup (At room temperature)
Parmesan Cheese
1 1/4 cups (Freshly grated (reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish))
Dry Penne Pasta
1 lb
Fresh Parsley Leaves
4 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add the diced pancetta. Cook, stirring frequently, until the pancetta is golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes.
2
Remove the pan from heat and season the pancetta with fresh ground black pepper.
3
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and the heavy cream together until well combined.
4
Season the egg mixture with sea salt and black pepper to taste, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, setting aside 2 tablespoons for garnish.
5
In a large pot, bring 6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dry penne pasta, cooking until al dente, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
6
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, making sure not to rinse it to preserve the natural starches.
7
Quickly return the drained pasta to the large pot. Immediately add the crispy pancetta and mix thoroughly.
8
Pour in the egg and cream mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly to ensure that the heat of the pasta gently cooks the eggs without scrambling them, creating a luscious sauce.
9
Stir in the remaining Parmesan and chopped parsley, mixing until well combined.
10
Serve immediately, garnished with reserved Parmesan and additional fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
32.5g
Fat
60g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in this Penne alla Carbonara?
The main protein source in this recipe is 1 lb of pancetta, supplemented by 6 eggs and 1 1/4 cups of Parmesan cheese.
How many calories are in a serving of this carbonara?
Each serving of this Penne alla Carbonara contains approximately 625 calories.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Boil the dry penne pasta in 6 quarts of salted water for approximately 8 to 10 minutes until it reaches the desired firm texture.
What type of cheese is used in this dish?
This recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, with 2 tablespoons reserved for garnish.
Can I rinse the pasta after cooking?
No, you should drain the pasta in a colander but avoid rinsing it to preserve the natural starches that help the sauce stick.
Why do I add the egg mixture to the hot pasta?
The residual heat from the freshly drained pasta gently cooks the eggs and cream to create a luscious, velvety sauce without scrambling them.
How should the pancetta be prepared?
The pancetta should be diced into 1-inch cubes and cooked in a saute pan until it is golden brown and crispy.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 6 eggs, ideally at room temperature for the best sauce consistency.
Is heavy cream included in this version of carbonara?
Yes, this recipe includes 1/2 cup of room-temperature heavy cream for added richness.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 32.5g of fat per serving in this dish.
How much penne pasta is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dry penne pasta.
Can I substitute the pancetta?
While pancetta is traditional, you could use bacon as a substitute, though it may provide a more smoky flavor.
What herbs are used for garnish?
Freshly chopped parsley leaves are used both within the sauce and as a final garnish.
How much carbohydrate is in one serving?
There are 60g of carbohydrates per serving in this pasta dish.
How much protein is provided per serving?
This recipe provides 22.5g of protein per serving.
How long does it take to cook the pancetta?
Cooking the diced pancetta until golden brown and crispy takes approximately 5 minutes over medium heat.
Should the eggs and cream be cold?
The recipe recommends having both the eggs and the heavy cream at room temperature for better emulsion into the sauce.
How much Parmesan is reserved for garnish?
You should set aside 2 tablespoons of the grated Parmesan cheese for garnishing before serving.
What kind of salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests using sea salt to taste for seasoning the egg mixture and boiling the pasta.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This Penne alla Carbonara is inspired by the cooking style of Giada De Laurentiis.
How much water should I use to boil the pasta?
The recipe recommends bringing 6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil for the penne.
When do I add the black pepper to the pancetta?
Season the pancetta with fresh ground black pepper immediately after removing the pan from the heat.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields a total of 4 servings.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is described as rich, creamy, and velvety, created by the combination of eggs, cream, and cheese.
Can I use pre-grated cheese?
For the best melting results and flavor, it is recommended to use freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, there is no sugar listed in the ingredients or nutritional facts for this recipe.
Do I need to use oil to cook the pancetta?
No oil is mentioned; the pancetta renders its own fat in the saute pan over medium heat.
How quickly should I toss the pasta with the egg mixture?
You should toss the mixture quickly and immediately upon adding it to the hot pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
What is the first step in preparing the sauce base?
The first step for the sauce base is beating the 6 eggs and 1/2 cup of heavy cream together in a medium bowl.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, its indulgent nature and classic Italian flavors make it perfect for gatherings or a cozy dinner to impress guests.