Carbonara Pasta
If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful dish, look no further than carbonara pasta. This classic Italian recipe combines simple ingredients like pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta to create a creamy sauce that coats every strand. Perfect for weeknights or special gatherings, carbonara is sure to impress anyone at your table!
Ingredients
– 200g spaghetti or fettuccine
– 100g pancetta or guanciale
– 2 large eggs
– 50g pecorino cheese, grated
– 50g parmesan cheese, grated
– Freshly cracked black pepper
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh parsley, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 2 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of carbonara pasta contains approximately 600 calories, 35g of fat, 50g of carbohydrates, and 25g of protein. This is based on a serving size of 1 plate.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat and add pancetta, cooking until crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, pecorino, and parmesan until well combined.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Add hot drained pasta to the pan with pancetta, mixing well.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and more cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious carbonara pasta!
Alternative Ingredients
If you can’t find pancetta, bacon can be a suitable substitute. For a vegetarian option, consider using mushrooms or zucchini as a base for the sauce.
Serving and Pairings
Carbonara pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and vinegar, or alongside crusty garlic bread for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. It’s not recommended to freeze carbonara as the sauce can become grainy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using low-quality cheese can affect the flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy.
- Not adding pasta water can lead to a dry sauce.
- Cooking the egg mixture on direct heat can scramble the eggs.
- Forgetting to season the pasta can result in blandness.
Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Mix the sauce quickly with hot pasta to achieve creaminess.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Use freshly cracked pepper for a spicy kick.
FAQs
What type of pasta is best for carbonara?
Spaghetti or fettuccine are traditional choices, but any long pasta works well. The key is to ensure it can hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make carbonara without eggs?
While eggs are essential for the original recipe, you can use alternatives like cream for a different texture, though it won’t be traditional carbonara.
Is carbonara suitable for meal prep?
While you can prepare the ingredients in advance, it’s best to make carbonara fresh as the sauce may not reheat well.
Can I use store-bought sauces?
For an authentic taste, it’s recommended to make the sauce from scratch. Store-bought versions often lack the freshness of homemade carbonara.
What can I substitute for pecorino cheese?
Parmesan cheese can be used as a substitute, though it will result in a slightly different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Carbonara pasta is a timeless classic that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, carbonara is sure to delight all who try it!
Carbonara Pasta
Ingredients
- 200 g spaghetti or fettuccine
- 100 g pancetta or guanciale
- 2 large eggs
- 50 g pecorino cheese grated
- 50 g parmesan cheese grated
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a pan over medium heat and add pancetta, cooking until crispy.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, pecorino, and parmesan until well combined.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Add hot drained pasta to the pan with pancetta, mixing well.
- Remove the pan from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture.
- Add reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce reaches desired creaminess.
- Season with salt and plenty of black pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and more cheese.
- Enjoy your delicious carbonara pasta!
