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Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Pancetta

Elina James
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 6 oz (170 g) pancetta (or guanciale, traditional choice), diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • ½ cup Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper (generous amount)
  • Salt (for pasta water, use sparingly since pancetta u0026 cheese are salty)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  • Cook the Pancetta : In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta until crispy and golden, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and leave pancetta and rendered fat in the pan.
  • Prepare the Egg-Cheese Mixture : In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, Parmesan, Pecorino, and a generous amount of black pepper until smooth.
  • Combine Pasta u0026 Sauce : Add hot drained spaghetti into the skillet with pancetta (off the heat). Quickly pour in the egg-cheese mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until sauce reaches a silky, creamy consistency.
  • Serve : Plate immediately, topping with more cheese and freshly cracked black pepper.