Pasta Carbonara – a classic, creamy favorite
A simple, hearty and timeless pasta dish that works just as well for weekdays as weekends.
- 4 servings
- 8 ingredients
- 8 steps
Pasta carbonara is one of those recipes that proves few ingredients can go a long way. When done right, you get a creamy, hearty and balanced dish where the pasta, eggs and cheese together form a velvety sauce – with no cream at all. It's precisely this simplicity that makes carbonara a constant favorite in many homes.
This version is designed to be easy to get right, even when cooking for several people. The result is a reliable and filling dish that works just as well after a long day outdoors as for a quick but thoughtful dinner.
Method
- Cook the pasta in plenty of well-salted water according to the package instructions.
- Cut the pancetta or bacon into smaller pieces. Fry crispy over medium heat in a dry frying pan.
- If using garlic, let it fry lightly crushed and remove it before serving.
- Whisk together the eggs, egg yolk and grated cheese in a bowl. Season generously with black pepper.
- Save about 1 dl of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Remove the frying pan with the bacon from the heat. Add the freshly cooked pasta directly to the pan.
- Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture together with a little pasta water until a creamy sauce forms.
- Taste and adjust with more pepper and possibly a little salt.
Tips!
The key to a successful carbonara is not having the heat too high when the egg mixture is added. The sauce should become creamy – not scrambled eggs. Work quickly and add a little pasta water at a time until the right consistency is reached.
Want to vary the dish? You can:
• use pecorino for a more distinct saltiness • swap bacon for pancetta for a more traditional flavor • add an extra egg yolk for an even creamier result • serve with a green salad for a lighter meal
Back to All recipes
Category: Stews & everyday dishes
If you enjoy simple and creamy pasta dishes, you can also make Creamy Ham Sauce – a quick, kid-friendly pasta sauce. For a more rustic option that suits many, Chili Con Carne – a flavorful stew that serves a crowd is also a good next step.
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