Go Back
Pasta Recipe Pasta

Pasta Recipe Pasta

This Pasta Recipe Pasta brings together creamy eggs, crispy pancetta, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese with a crack of black pepper for an easy, Italian-inspired comfort food dinner in under 30 minutes.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces spaghetti I love De Cecco or Barilla for firm texture
  • 6 ounces pancetta diced (sub: thick-cut bacon or guanciale for authentic Italian taste)
  • 3 large eggs eggs room temperature (bring to room temp for smooth sauce)
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated (Parmigiano-Reggiano or BelGioioso)
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil look for Colavita or California Olive Ranch
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher salt to taste (about 1 tablespoon for pasta water)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley for color and freshness

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Stir in kosher salt until it tastes like the sea—this seasons the pasta from the inside out.
  • While water heats, whisk eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined and slightly frothy; set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat, then add olive oil and diced pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pancetta is golden and crisp—about 5–7 minutes. Transfer half the crispy bits to a small bowl, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
  • Add spaghetti to boiling water and cook according to package directions until just al dente (usually 8–10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  • Using tongs, transfer hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with pancetta fat, off the heat. Toss to coat every strand—this step cools the pan slightly to prevent scrambled eggs.
  • Pour the egg-cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously and adding pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is luxuriously creamy. Aim for a smooth silky coating, not a watery broth.
  • Stir in reserved crispy pancetta bits for texture. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Add more black pepper for that characteristic bite.
  • Plate immediately—this sauce loves heat. Top each serving with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and an extra grating of Parmesan.

Notes

Use whole eggs, not just yolks—this adds volume and body. Freshly grate your cheese with a microplane for maximum meltability.
Keyword Carbonara, creamy pasta, italian comfort food, Pasta recipe, Quick Dinner
Love this recipe?Follow us at @thenandnowspace for more