Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and White Wine

⏳ Time

20 minutes

🥕 Ingredients

🍽️ Servings

Description

The authentic recipe for pasta alla carbonara does not include cream. However, the Anglo-American tradition of adding cream to this dish has long become a habit: 225 grams of cream are whipped with egg yolks and Parmesan cheese, then the resulting sauce is poured into the pan with spaghetti and simmered over medium heat. Carbonara pasta pairs perfectly with red wine (Merlot, Chianti).

Ingredients

Olive Oil - ¼ cup
Pancetta - 7.9 oz
Dry White Wine - ½ cup
Whole egg - 5 pieces
Grated Pecorino Pepato Cheese - 3.2 oz
Grated Pecorino Pepato Cheese - 0.9 oz
Spaghetti - 17.6 oz
Minced garlic - 3 cloves
Salt - to taste
Ground Black Pepper - to taste

Step by Step guide

Step 1

In a large pot, bring 4 liters of water to a boil. Grate the Pecorino Romano cheese using a fine grater.

Step 2

While the water is heating, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it starts to shimmer but does not smoke. Cut the pancetta in half lengthwise, then crosswise into small pieces, and fry, stirring, until crispy. Add the minced garlic. Pour in the wine and cook until the alcohol smell evaporates and the wine reduces slightly, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with the cheese; set aside.

Step 3

Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the spaghetti and 1 tablespoon of regular salt. Gently stir to prevent the pasta from sticking. Cook until al dente.

Step 4

Drain the pasta in a colander, reserving half a cup of the cooking water. Let the spaghetti dry for about 5–10 seconds (they should remain slightly moist), then transfer to a warmed serving bowl.

Step 5

If the pasta seems too dry, add a little reserved cooking water and stir. Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot spaghetti, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of sea salt flakes or a heaping teaspoon of regular salt, and mix well. Pour the pancetta and reduced wine mixture over the pasta, generously season with black pepper, and mix thoroughly. Serve immediately.