The Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients

  • 2 large eggs and 2 large yolks, at room temperature

  • 1/3 cup grated Pecorino Romano, plus more as needed (1 oz)

  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (1 oz)

  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 3 ½ ounces pancetta, sliced into 1/3 inch square cubes (try guanciale or bacon)

  • 12 ounces spaghetti

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Don’t add the spaghetti yet. (Optional- Fill a large bowl with hot water for serving, and set aside.)

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, Pecorino Romano and Parmesan. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the pancetta, and sauté until the fat just renders, and it’s crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

  • Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Just before pasta is ready, reheat pancetta in skillet. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and add to the skillet over low heat. Stir for a minute or so.

  • (Optional- Empty serving bowl of hot water. Dry it and add hot pasta mixture. )  Stir in cheese mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. Serve immediately, garnishing with a bit of additional grated pecorino and pepper.