Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs is a rich and creamy Italian pasta dish that combines the classic flavors of carbonara with an extra cheesy twist. Traditionally, carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta.
2. What You’ll Need
- Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that pairs well with the creamy carbonara sauce. Use high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor.
- Pancetta: Italian cured meat that adds a savory, salty flavor. Pancetta is preferred for its rich taste, but bacon can be used as an alternative.
- Eggs: Essential for creating the creamy sauce. The eggs should be at room temperature for the best results.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and enhances the richness of the sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Provides extra creaminess and gooey texture. Use high-quality mozzarella for the best melt.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor to the dish. Fresh garlic is preferred for its robust taste.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the pancetta and garlic. It adds a subtle richness and helps in browning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Season the dish to taste. Freshly ground black pepper enhances the flavor of the carbonara sauce.
- Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish for added freshness and color.
3. How to Make
- Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the spaghetti and set aside. - Step 2: Prepare the Pancetta and Garlic
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. - Step 3: Make the Carbonara Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, shredded Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella until well combined. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The mixture should be creamy and smooth. - Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic, tossing to combine and coat the pasta with the rendered fat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing continuously to coat the pasta evenly and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. - Step 5: Serve
Serve the Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this comforting dish.
4. Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving
Serve the Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara immediately while it is still warm and creamy. The dish is best enjoyed fresh, straight from the skillet. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal. - Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. The dish can also be reheated in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat as it may cause the sauce to separate.
5. Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Pasta
Cook the spaghetti until just al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce. Overcooked pasta will not hold up well in the dish. - Cooking the Sauce on High Heat
Avoid cooking the egg and cheese mixture over high heat as it can cause the eggs to scramble rather than create a smooth, creamy sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the sauce mixture. - Not Using Enough Pasta Water
Reserve and use some of the pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency of the sauce. This starchy water helps to make the sauce creamy and helps it cling to the pasta. - Not Tasting and Adjusting Seasoning
Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. The pancetta and cheese already add saltiness, so taste the dish and adjust with additional salt and pepper as needed. - Skipping the Resting Time
Allow the dish to rest for a minute or two after mixing in the sauce. This helps the flavors meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
6. Tips and Tricks
- Use Room Temperature Eggs
Ensure the eggs are at room temperature before mixing with the cheese. This helps prevent the eggs from cooking too quickly when combined with the hot pasta. - Grate Cheese Freshly
Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for the best flavor and melt. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. - Add Extra Flavor with Herbs
For additional flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the dish. These can be mixed into the sauce or used as a garnish. - Avoid Overmixing
Toss the pasta and sauce gently to avoid breaking the spaghetti and to ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly. - Serve Immediately
Carbonara is best enjoyed right after preparation when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pasta is warm. Reheat leftovers gently to avoid separating the sauce.
7. FAQ
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use other types of pasta such as fettuccine, linguine, or penne if you prefer. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of pasta used. - Can I substitute bacon for pancetta?
Yes, bacon can be used as a substitute for pancetta. It will provide a slightly different flavor but will still be delicious in the dish. - What can I use if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If Parmesan cheese is not available, you can use Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese with a similar texture and flavor. - Is it possible to make this dish without cheese?
Cheese is a key ingredient in carbonara, so omitting it will significantly alter the dish. If you need a cheese-free option, consider using a dairy-free alternative or a different pasta recipe. - How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti or another gluten-free pasta variety. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as sauces and cheeses, are gluten-free.
8. Conclusion
- Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs is a delectable twist on the classic carbonara, offering a rich and creamy sauce with an extra cheesy kick. This dish is perfect for those who love indulgent Italian comfort food. By following the detailed instructions and tips provided, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that is sure to impress. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe delivers a comforting, cheesy pasta experience that will be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara and savor the rich flavors of this Italian classic.
Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Description
A rich and creamy carbonara featuring al dente spaghetti, crispy pancetta, and a cheesy, egg-based sauce. Perfect for a comforting and indulgent meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 250g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- Cook Pancetta: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove pancetta and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Combine: In the same skillet used for pancetta, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add cooked spaghetti and toss to coat in the garlic. Remove from heat.
- Mix: Quickly mix in the egg and cheese mixture, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve a creamy consistency. Stir in the cooked pancetta and season with salt and black pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Adjust the amount of pasta water based on your desired sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 25g
