Name: Cheesy Carbonara
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti pasta.; 4 oz pancetta, diced.; 2 large eggs.; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese.; 2 cloves garlic, minced.; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess).; 1 tablespoon olive oil.; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.; 1/4 teaspoon salt.; 1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional, for garnish).

This Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs is a rich and comforting dish that combines the crispy pancetta, a creamy egg and Parmesan cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. The recipe is made with simple ingredients like eggs, Parmesan, and pancetta, but the optional addition of heavy cream takes the creaminess to the next level. Tossing the pasta quickly ensures the eggs don't scramble, creating a silky, smooth sauce. It's a hearty Italian meal that's ready in 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

Spaghetti Carbonara is one of the most beloved Italian dishes, known for its creamy texture and rich flavors. This version takes it up a notch with the addition of crispy pancetta and an optional touch of heavy cream for extra creaminess. The perfect balance of eggs, Parmesan cheese, and pasta water creates a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of spaghetti.

INGREDIENTS

Spaghetti pasta: 12 oz, cooked al dente
Pancetta: 4 oz, diced and fried until crispy
Eggs: 2 large, whisked into the sauce
Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, finely grated
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced for added flavor
Heavy cream (optional): 1/4 cup, for extra creaminess
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon, to sauté pancetta
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly cracked
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, for seasoning
Parsley (optional): 1/4 cup, chopped for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2:: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
Step 3:: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream (if using), black pepper, and salt.
Step 4:: Remove the skillet from the heat. Toss the cooked spaghetti with the pancetta, then quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creamy consistency.
Step 5:: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

Best served immediately while hot and creamy. Pair with a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
If leftovers, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

Helpful Notes

You can substitute pancetta with bacon for a similar, but slightly smokier flavor.
For a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and increase the Parmesan for more flavor.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs

Chef Massimo Bottura recommends using high-quality Parmesan and fresh eggs for the best results.
Chef Jamie Oliver suggests reserving more pasta water than you think you'll need, as it helps to emulsify the sauce.