How to Make a Perfect Pasta Carbonara

Looking for an authentic Italian dish that can impress your dinner guests? A classic pasta carbonara is not only simple but also incredibly delicious! This traditional Roman pasta has been a favorite among food enthusiasts due to its rich flavor and creamy texture.

Ingredients

• 400 grams of spaghetti or other short-cut pasta like bucatini or rigatoni
• 3 large eggs
• 150 grams of pancetta (or guanciale, which is a traditional ingredient in carbonara)
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Parmigiano-Reggiano for grating
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

This recipe will yield about 4 servings, taking around 30 minutes to prepare. Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil with salt added to it.

1. Add your pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat up a frying pan over medium heat. Add pancetta or guanciale cut into small pieces. Fry them until they are crispy on both sides but still have some moisture left. Remove from heat once done and set aside.
3. In the same pot used for boiling pasta water, carefully pour in three beaten eggs mixed with Parmesan cheese (make sure to do this slowly to avoid scrambling). Stir constantly to combine the sauce evenly. The mixture should start thickening immediately after adding eggs but it shouldn't be too thick yet; you want your carbonara to have a creamy consistency.
4. Drain pasta thoroughly and add back into the pan with the pancetta/guanciale. Toss everything together until the sauce coats each strand of pasta nicely. Sprinkle some Parmigiano-Reggiano over it for extra flavor.
5. Serve hot, garnished with more freshly grated Parmesan if desired.

Key Tips

For authentic carbonara, always use pancetta or guanciale because they are the traditional ingredients in this dish. They provide a deeper flavor compared to using only regular bacon which many people might do by mistake. Additionally, avoid adding cream as it's not part of true carbonara - this recipe relies on eggs and fat from the pasta for its creamy texture.

Properly cooking your pancetta is crucial; you want it to be crisp yet still retain some moisture inside. Once cooked properly, it adds a delightful contrast in both taste and texture against the creaminess of the egg and Parmesan mixture.

Cooking Time

The total preparation time for this dish should take about 30 minutes including cooking time for pasta.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them within two days. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap. For best results when reheating, use the microwave as oven reheating might cause the pasta to become soggy.

Carbonara is versatile enough that it pairs well with various side dishes such as a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. It's also delightful alongside a glass of chilled white wine during summer nights making this meal not just tasty but enjoyable too!

The rich flavors and creamy texture make pasta carbonara an absolute must-try for all food lovers out there! Whether you're having it with your family, friends over dinner or planning to impress someone special on a romantic date night, this dish is sure to bring smiles.