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Creamy fettuccine carbonara

Creamy fettuccine carbonara
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Creamy fettuccine carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish featuring wide, flat noodles coated in a silky sauce made from egg yolks and Pecorino Romano cheese. Combined with crispy pancetta and freshly ground black pepper, it delivers a perfectly balanced, rich yet simple comfort meal that’s quick to prepare and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 400g fettuccine noodles

Meat

  • 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced

Sauce

  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 100g freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 clove garlic (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Fettuccine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later.
  2. Prepare the Pancetta: While the pasta cooks, sauté the diced pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, releasing flavorful fats that enrich the sauce.
  3. Mix the Egg and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Pancetta: Return the drained fettuccine to the skillet with the pancetta, stirring well to coat the noodles with the rendered fat for a savory base.
  5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat, then slowly add the egg and cheese mixture, tossing quickly while gradually adding reserved pasta water as needed. This will form a silky, clingy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Notes

  • Temperature control: Remove pan from heat before adding eggs to prevent curdling and achieve a smooth sauce.
  • Pasta water magic: Use reserved starchy water to adjust sauce consistency for creaminess.
  • Grate cheese fresh: Freshly grated Pecorino Romano melts better and integrates more evenly than pre-grated cheese.
  • Choose quality pancetta: Use authentic pancetta or guanciale for best flavor and texture.
  • Serve immediately: Carbonara sauce is best enjoyed fresh to maintain texture and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: fettuccine carbonara, creamy pasta, Italian pasta recipe, pancetta carbonara, easy carbonara, comfort food pasta

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-fettuccine-carbonara/