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Creamy Romantic Pasta Carbonara

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A quick and easy creamy pasta carbonara recipe perfect for romantic dinners or busy weeknights, featuring crispy pancetta, silky sauce, and a peppery kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
  • 4 ounces (115 grams) pancetta, diced
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, for pasta water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 3 large eggs and 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy. Add a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper (about 1 teaspoon) and mix. Set aside.
  3. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly but watch closely to avoid burning.
  4. Drain the pasta quickly and add it to the skillet with pancetta. Toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat. Remove pan from heat to prevent scrambling in next step.
  5. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing rapidly. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a silky sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (start with 1/4 cup or 60 ml) to loosen sauce if needed. The sauce should be creamy and cling to every strand.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more black pepper if you like it spicier. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.
  7. Serve immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy warm with a crisp salad or crusty bread.

Notes

Toss pasta and egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling eggs. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use room temperature eggs for better mixing. Avoid adding cream for authentic carbonara. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta carbonara, creamy pasta, pancetta recipe, quick dinner, romantic dinner, easy pasta, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/creamy-romantic-pasta-carbonara-recipe-easy-20-minute-dinner/