Pasta Carbonara is one of the most beloved and iconic Italian pasta dishes, originating from Rome. This creamy yet light pasta dish is made with a few simple ingredients: eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper. The magic of carbonara lies in the technique—hot pasta is tossed with raw eggs and cheese, creating a silky sauce that clings to each strand. The guanciale adds a rich, salty flavor, while the black pepper provides a subtle kick. There’s no cream in an authentic carbonara, as the creaminess comes from the emulsion of the eggs, cheese, and pasta water.

How to Make Pasta Carbonara

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti or another long pasta (like fettuccine or bucatini)
• 150g (5 oz) guanciale, diced (or pancetta as a substitute)
• 4 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
• 1 cup (100g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, for pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

2. Cook the Guanciale:

   • While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced guanciale and cook until it’s crispy and the fat has rendered, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.

3. Prepare the Sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

   • Once the pasta is done, immediately add it to the skillet with the guanciale. Toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing constantly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

5. Serve:

   • Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Pecorino Romano and more black pepper if desired.

Estimated Nutritional Content Per Serving (Based on 4 Servings):

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: ~500-550 kcal
• Protein: ~25g
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Fat: ~25g
• Fiber: ~2g

These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Pasta Carbonara is a well-balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and carbohydrates, with moderate fat content. The dish is filling and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a comforting dinner. Its creamy texture and rich flavors are sure to impress anyone who tries it.