Print

Crispy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Pancetta Sauce

crispy spaghetti carbonara - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy twist on classic carbonara featuring crispy spaghetti edges paired with a creamy pancetta sauce made without cream. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) dried spaghetti
  • 6 oz (170 g) diced pancetta
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, for boiling pasta and seasoning

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente (about 7-8 minutes). Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, whisk together 3 large room-temperature eggs, 1 cup (100 g) finely grated Parmesan, and a generous pinch of freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz (170 g) diced pancetta and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until pancetta is crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove garlic if you prefer less intensity.
  4. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta. Spread it out evenly and let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes to develop crispy edges. Flip or toss carefully and crisp the other side for another 2 minutes. Aim for golden, crunchy bits without burning.
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Slowly add the egg and Parmesan mixture, tossing quickly to coat the pasta without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about ¼ cup/60 ml increments) to loosen the sauce until silky and creamy. Keep the pan off direct heat to avoid curdling.
  6. Taste and adjust with more black pepper or salt if needed. Serve immediately while the crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it silky. Remove pan from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent scrambling. Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavor. Leftovers can be reheated gently in a skillet with a splash of water to revive creaminess. Avoid microwaving to prevent scrambling eggs and soggy pasta. For vegetarian or gluten-free versions, substitute pancetta with smoked mushrooms and use gluten-free spaghetti respectively.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, spaghetti carbonara, crispy pasta, pancetta sauce, creamy carbonara, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian pasta

Find it online: https://blixfood.com/crispy-spaghetti-carbonara-recipe-easy-homemade-creamy-pancetta-sauce/