Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Recipe courtesy Nigella Lawson

Show: Nigella FeastsEpisode: Solitary Sensations

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (33)

RECIPE
COMMENTS & REVIEWS(33)

Cook Time:
10 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
1 serving

Times:

Prep: 10 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 10 min
Total:: 20 min

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Ingredients

1 pound spaghetti
2 cups cubed pancetta rind removed
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 cup dry white wine or vermouth
4 eggs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1/4 cup heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper
Freshly ground nutmeg

Directions

Put a large pan of water on to boil for the pasta.

In another large pan that will fit the pasta later, cook the pancetta cubes in the oil until crispy but not crunchy. Pour over the white wine or vermouth and let it bubble away so that, after a few minutes, you have a small amount of salty winey syrup left. Take the pan off the heat.

In a bowl, beat together the eggs, Parmesan, cream, and pepper. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions, but since you want it kept al dente start checking it 2 minutes before end of the recommended cooking time.

When the pasta is done, remove approximately 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Put the pan with the bacon cubes back on the heat and add the drained pasta, tossing well to coat with the syrupy pancetta. Take the pan off the heat again and add the eggs and cheese mixture, swiftly tossing everything to mix. Thin with pasta water, if needed. Grind over some more pepper and grate over the nutmeg to serve.

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Comments & Reviews

recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Linda S. Dartmouth, MA 10-04-2009
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Just OK
Rated: 2 stars out of 5

I have had this many times and this was not my favorate.
recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Tim Round Rock, TX 04-18-2009
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wow Wow WOW!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

My dad has thrown together "carbonara" pasta forever but it's always just sorta... blah. I never knew what it REALLY should... be like. And if this is it, I need to educate him on the values of doing things correctly! My wife loved it, my youngest son loved it, and my oldest son, who is a boring "plain pasta with salt only" eater, LOVED it! This is now on our go-to list for quick and delicious meals!Read more
recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Bonnie San Diego, CA 12-18-2008
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Pasta for breakfast
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I LOVE this dish. it's quick - it's easy - and it's REALLY good. My kids (all 4 of them) love this dish which makes me love... this dish even more! We eat this for Sunday brunch all the time.Read more
recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Kusum Detroit, MI 11-15-2008
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Sooooo yummy!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This recipe is EXCELLENT. It's really yummy and decadent, but really easy to make. I used garlic extra virgin olive oil to... fry the bacon in, and i threw in a clove of minced garlic between frying the bacon and adding in the wine; added a nice garlic flavor. I also added a little bit of chopped parsley at the very end. Very very good! Read more
recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Michelle Deer Park, NY 11-04-2008
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Changed the recipe a bit
Rated: 4 stars out of 5

This recipe was really good and so easy to follow. I added diced onion and minced garlic to the bacon mixture (I substituted... since I had left over bacon from yesterday's breakfast). Used 3/4 cup pinot grigio and one cup of milk. All and all better than any restaurant version which to me is just alfredo sauce with bacon.Read more
recipe Spaghetti alla Carbonara
MICHELE Bend, OR 10-18-2008
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The Best
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

The best version of carbonar we've ever tried. As always with simple recipes, top quality ingredients are key. Easily... serves four.Read more