Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich and creamy sauce, typically made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that can be prepared in just a few steps.

Here’s a Carbonara Recipe along with some cooking tips:

Time to Cook:

Carbonara can be prepared in approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on your cooking skills and the time it takes to boil the pasta.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) of spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
• 4 ounces (about 115 grams) of pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt
• Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined. Season with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
3. Cook the Pancetta:
   • In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the diced pancetta or guanciale and cook until it becomes crispy and golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
   • If using garlic, add it to the skillet and sauté for another minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked pancetta (or guanciale).
   • Toss the pasta and pancetta together to coat evenly.
5. Add the Egg Mixture:
   • Remove the skillet from heat.
   • Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta.
   • Toss vigorously to combine, using some of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to create a creamy sauce. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a silky, creamy texture.
6. Serve:
   • Plate the carbonara immediately, garnishing with extra grated cheese and black pepper if desired.

Carbonara is a delightful Italian pasta dish that combines the richness of eggs and cheese with the savory flavor of pancetta or guanciale. It’s a relatively quick and simple recipe that yields a creamy and satisfying meal. When done right, carbonara is a comforting classic that’s sure to please your taste buds and impress your guests. Enjoy!