- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 850 kcal
Quick summary
“Carbonara is a delicious creamy pasta made with bacon, eggs, and parmesan, perfect for impressing guests with its intense flavor and silky texture.”
What you need to know
['- Bacon or pancetta fried until crispy', '- Sauce made with egg and parmesan mixed', '- Addition of cooking water for creaminess', '- Cook the spaghetti al dente', '- Serve immediately to maintain texture']
Ingredients
Main
- 300g of spaghetti
- 150g of bacon or pancetta
- 2 eggs
- 100g of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Principal
- In a large pot, cook the spaghetti in salted water until al dente, following the package instructions.
- Meanwhile, cut the bacon or pancetta into cubes and fry in a skillet until crispy.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix with the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- When the pasta is ready, reserve some of the cooking water and drain the rest.
- Add the pasta to the skillet with the bacon and mix well.
- Remove from heat and add the egg mixture, stirring quickly so the eggs do not coagulate.
- If necessary, add a little of the cooking water to make the sauce creamier.
- Serve immediately with more parmesan cheese and pepper to taste.
Chef's tips
['- Let the bacon or pancetta fry for longer for a more intense flavor', '- Use boiling water to cook the pasta, this helps keep it firm', '- Add the sauce gradually to prevent the eggs from curdling']
Variations
['- Add chopped mushrooms for a vegetal touch', '- Mix chopped chives into the sauce before serving', '- Use short spaghetti instead of traditional spaghetti']
Substitutions
['- Bacon or pancetta can be replaced with cubano cubes', '- Parmesan cheese can be swapped for grana padano', '- Eggs can be replaced with milk in case of intolerance']
How to store
The Carbonara should be served immediately after preparation, as the spaghetti becomes moist and may lose its texture. Storing in the refrigerator is not recommended, as the texture may change.
Can it be frozen?
It is not recommended to freeze Carbonara, as the texture of the spaghetti may change during thawing. If you need to store, freeze only the separate ingredients and prepare again before serving.
What to serve with
Serve the Carbonara with a green salad or a good French bread to complement the meal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to cook the pasta?
Cook the spaghetti al dente in boiling water to maintain a firm texture.
What to do if the sauce gets too thick?
If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the cooking water to adjust the consistency.
How to store leftover ingredients?
Leftover ingredients, such as bacon, cheese, and eggs, can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can you freeze Carbonara?
It is not recommended to freeze Carbonara, as the texture of the spaghetti may change during thawing.
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