Creamy Fettuccine Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich, creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese, pancetta (or bacon), and black pepper. Here’s a traditional recipe for Creamy Fettuccine Carbonara:
Ingredients:
- 400g (14 oz) fettuccine pasta
- 200g (7 oz) pancetta or bacon, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, minced garlic, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook the Pancetta (or Bacon):
- In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta (or bacon) over medium heat until crispy and browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Immediately after draining the pasta, return it to the pot (off heat).
- Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, tossing continuously to coat the pasta evenly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a little reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Add Pancetta and Serve:
- Stir in the cooked pancetta (or bacon) into the pasta.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, and chopped parsley.