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Pasta Carbonara for Two

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A quick and easy pasta carbonara recipe perfect for busy weeknights, using simple ingredients to create a creamy, comforting dish without cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 ounces (170g) spaghetti
  • 3 ounces (85g) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, chopped
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • ¾ cup (75g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • About ½ cup (120ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. While waiting, chop pancetta or bacon into small pieces and mince garlic. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup (120ml) of pasta water before draining. Do not rinse the pasta.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add pancetta pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic in the last minute—be careful not to burn it. Remove from heat.
  4. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with pancetta. Toss to coat in the rendered fat. Remove the pan from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
  5. Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat each strand. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as you toss until the sauce becomes creamy and clings to the pasta.
  6. Taste and add more black pepper or a pinch of salt if needed. Serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on the side.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling. Toss pasta and egg mixture off the heat for a silky sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for best flavor and texture. Bacon can substitute pancetta for a smoky twist.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta carbonara, easy carbonara, quick dinner, pancetta, bacon, spaghetti, creamy pasta, weeknight recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/pasta-carbonara-for-two-easy-recipe-with-simple-ingredients-for-busy-weeknights/