Spaghetti Carbonara
- Total:
- 30 min
- Prep:
- 10 min
- Cook:
- 20 min
- Yield:
- 4 servings
- Level:
- Easy
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 pound thick spaghetti
- 5 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, more or less depending on your tastes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley, to garnish (optional)
Directions
Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Place a medium skillet over medium heat with the bacon. Gently cook the bacon, stirring occasionally, until crispy, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on a paper towel. Reserve the drippings in the pan.
When the bacon is just about ready, drop the pasta into the boiling water and cook to al dente according to package directions. When the pasta is ready, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining it.
In a large mixing bowl whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, cream and pepper. Reserve until the pasta is ready.
Drain the cooked pasta well and add it to the reserved egg mixture along with about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water and 1 tablespoon of drippings from the bacon. Immediately begin tossing the pasta to evenly coat it with the egg mixture. While continuing to toss the pasta constantly, add the cheese in two additions (along with some more of the reserved pasta water if the mixture looks dry). Add in the reserved bacon. After tossing the pasta for about 30 seconds total, the mixture will come together as a silky sauce.
Serve the pasta immediately garnished with the parsley, if desired.
Cook's Note
If you want to gussy up things a bit, swap out the bacon for pancetta or guanciale. If you're not into eating meat, leave it out and just replace the fat that you add to the pasta with some extra-virgin olive oil. I realize that date night for two and a dish that makes four servings might be a little incongruous, but wait and see how you feel about it when you're dishing up your second helping.
Trending Videos 7 Videos
Now Playing
Gabriele's Limoncello 01:28
Now Playing
Heavenly Sauteed String Beans 01:06
Now Playing
Healthy French Toast 02:27
Now Playing
Faux 'Cheese Popcorn' Snack 02:05
Now Playing
Healthy Morning Glory Muffin 02:51
Now Playing
Festive Spicy Steak Tacos 04:46
Now Playing
Chicken and White Bean Chili 03:40
Gabriele's Limoncello 01:28
Gabriele shares his family recipe for a delicious summertime libation.
Similar Topics:
IDEAS YOU'LL LOVE
