Description
Creamy Michael Symon Carbonara brings classic Italian pasta magic to home kitchens with rich pancetta and silky egg sauce. Rich, authentic flavors dance through each perfectly twirled forkful, inviting culinary adventurers to savor Roman-inspired comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) dried pasta
- ½ pound (227 grams) diced smoked meat
- ½ pound (227 grams) diced smoked meat
- 4 eggs
Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) pepper
- 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 milliliters) salt (pasta water)
- A few sprigs of parsley
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) Parmesan cheese, more if desired
- 5 quarts (4.7 liters) water
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with 5 quarts (4.7 liters) of water and bring to a vigorous boil, seasoning generously with kosher salt.
- Carefully add 1 pound (454 grams) of dried pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, approximately 1 minute less than package instructions.
- Heat 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) of extra virgin olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat.
- Introduce half a pound (227 grams) of finely diced smoked meat, sautéing until golden and crisp with delicate edges.
- In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk 4 large eggs until they become light and frothy.
- Fold 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of freshly ground black pepper, finely chopped parsley, and 1 cup (100 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese into the whisked eggs.
- Ladle 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) of starchy pasta water into the meat skillet, creating a silky base, then immediately reduce heat to low.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling.
- Transfer the drained pasta directly into the skillet, tossing thoroughly to coat each strand with the creamy sauce.
- Plate the pasta, garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Salting water generously creates a flavorful foundation for your entire dish, enhancing every bite with deep, rich taste.
- Pasta flexibility means you can raid your pantry and use whatever noodle shape catches your eye or sits waiting in the cabinet.
- Skipping oil in boiling water helps sauce cling magnificently to pasta, creating that perfect coating every home cook dreams about.
- Meat selection transforms this recipe, letting you play with smoky bacon, spicy sausage, or tender pulled chicken for endless delicious variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 63 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 210 mg