Posted August 23, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

Making authentic pasta carbonara is simple and packed with flavor! With plenty of savory bacon, cheesy egg sauce, and tender spaghetti, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal for pasta lovers.

Curious about pasta carbonara? It’s spaghetti cooked with a special sauce and fried meat. The dish originated in the Rome region of Italy. While the exact story of its origin is unknown, it is commonly believed to have been created by coal miners. Despite its mysterious beginnings, carbonara gained popularity in Italy and around the world after World War II. The classic recipe includes spaghetti, bacon, eggs, and cheese.

Pasta Options:

You can use any type of pasta with this sauce, as carbonara specifically refers to the sauce itself. While spaghetti noodles are commonly used, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes! Here are some suggestions:

• angel hair
• bucatini
• egg noodles
• fettuccine
• linguini

No matter which pasta you choose, make sure to cook it al dente!

Cheese Options:

If you’re unable to find pecorino romano cheese, you can substitute it with:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Parmesan
• Asiago
• Grana Padano

Can I Make This Dish If I’m Allergic to Eggs?

Authentic pasta carbonara contains a significant amount of eggs. If you’re allergic to eggs or prefer not to use them, check out our Eggless Spaghetti Carbonara recipe!

Does Authentic Carbonara Have Cream?

A key characteristic of this dish is its creamy sauce. Despite what you might think, authentic pasta carbonara does not include cream or milk! The thick, velvety texture of the sauce comes from the eggs.

What Meat Is Traditionally Used in Authentic Pasta Carbonara?

The most authentic pasta carbonara is made with guanciale, an Italian sausage. If you can’t find it, pancetta or pancetta affumicata can be used as alternatives. Bacon is also a suitable substitute!

Troubleshooting: Why Is My Carbonara Sticky?

If your carbonara turns out sticky, it’s likely because you added too many egg whites. To fix this, add more cheese. Be cautious and add it gradually, as you don’t want to overpower the dish with cheese. If it becomes too dry, simply add a small amount of pasta water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions:

You can store leftover authentic pasta carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, it’s best to use a skillet on the stovetop rather than the microwave. Toss the pasta over medium-high heat for approximately 5 minutes until it’s heated through. If the pasta seems dry, add olive oil gradually, about 1 teaspoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency and texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound spaghetti pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 pound diced pancetta or diced thick-cut bacon
• 4 egg yolks
• 2 whole eggs
• 1 1/2 cups grated pecorino romano cheese (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Remember to reserve 1 1/2 cups of the pasta water before draining.
2. In a large saucepan, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until it becomes crisp, which should take around 7 to 10 minutes. Drain the excess fat, but keep about 2 tablespoons of the grease in the pan.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole eggs, and 1 cup of grated pecorino romano cheese.
4. After draining the pasta, toss it with the cooked pancetta or bacon and the reserved grease. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and add 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together for about 2 minutes, allowing the heat to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If needed, add more of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
5. Serve the Spaghetti Carbonara hot, topped with the remaining grated pecorino romano cheese and freshly ground pepper.

Enjoy your homemade Spaghetti Carbonara! It’s a classic Italian comfort food that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.