Simple Carbonara Pasta Recipe Using Common Ingredients
If you’re craving a creamy, savory pasta dish and want to make it with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen, carbonara is the perfect choice. This traditional Italian pasta is quick to make, needs just a handful of ingredients, and is deliciously satisfying. Below is a step-by-step guide to making an easy carbonara, with links to images for added clarity.
Ingredients for Classic Carbonara
- Pasta – 200g spaghetti, linguine, or any pasta you have on hand
- Eggs – 2 large eggs
- Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated (or any hard cheese you have)
- Pancetta or Bacon – 100g, diced (or use ham if available)
- Garlic – 1 clove, crushed (optional)
- Salt and Pepper – to taste
Tip: Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream, but the combination of eggs and cheese creates a creamy texture that’s perfect on its own.
Step-by-Step Guide to Easy Carbonara
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the pancetta or bacon into small cubes.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese, and crack the eggs into a small bowl, whisking them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente, as per the package instructions.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the Pancetta
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. If you’re using garlic, add it in for the last minute of cooking, then remove from heat.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the cooked pasta in the skillet with the pancetta. Slowly pour in the whisked eggs and Parmesan mixture, stirring quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Add a bit of reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to achieve a creamy consistency.
5. Season and Serve
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Visual reference: Served carbonara by Gianluca Gerardi on Unsplash.
Tips for Perfect Carbonara
- Avoid Scrambled Eggs: When adding the egg mixture to the pasta, ensure the pasta isn’t too hot to prevent curdling.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you don’t have Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or even a mix of cheeses.
- Customize: Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or a dash of chili flakes for added flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use whole eggs and egg yolks?
Yes, you can use just the yolks for an even creamier texture, but whole eggs add a bit of lightness.
2. What other cheese works well in carbonara?
While Parmesan is ideal, Pecorino Romano or a similar hard cheese will work.
3. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas make a great addition.
4. What can I use instead of pancetta?
Bacon, ham, or prosciutto can work well as substitutes.
5. Should carbonara have cream?
Traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream. The egg and cheese provide all the creaminess you need.
Making carbonara at home is not only easy but incredibly rewarding. This recipe shows that you don’t need many ingredients to enjoy a classic Italian meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
Buon appetito!
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