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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Newman

Giada's Classic Carbonara

This pasta dish is one of the classic pastas of Rome. It's traditionally made with guanciale, a cured pork product that's common in Italy, but it's a bit difficult to find here: so I opt for bacon instead. Feel free to swap out some of the Parmigiano for Pecorino, or even all of it!



giada's classic carbonara

Giada's Classic Carbonara

Category

Main Course pasta

Prep Time

5 minutes

Cook Time

15 minutes

Calories

734

Author:

Giada De Laurentiis

Image of Giada's Classic Carbonara

Ingredients

  • 4 egg yolks, (at room temperature)
  • 2 large eggs, (at room temperature)
  • ¾ cup Parmigiano Reggiano, (freshly grated, plus more for topping, optional)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon, (about 6 ounces, cut into strips)
  • 1 pound pasta, such as Capricci or Fusilli Corti

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the egg yolks, whole eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano, salt and pepper. Whisk until well combined and set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Season the water generously with salt. Cook the pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions, about 10 minutes. Drain well, reserving the pasta water.
  3. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring often for about 5 minutes or until the bacon is golden and crispy. Once cooked, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. There should be around ¼ cup of bacon fat left in the pan – if there appears to be less, add a bit of olive oil. If there appears to be much more, discard the excess.
  4. Add the cooked pasta directly to the pan, along with 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, and toss to coat.
  5. Meanwhile, slowly drizzle 1/2 cup of the hot pasta water into the egg mixture while whisking vigorously, so as to not directly cook the eggs. This is to temper the eggs so they don’t scramble once added to the pan.
  6. Turn off the heat on the pan with the pasta. Slowly pour the entire egg mixture into the pan with the pasta, quickly tossing with a wooden spoon to coat the pasta. Continue mixing for about 2 minutes, until the mixture appears very creamy. Add the reserved bacon and toss to combine. Add more pasta water if necessary to create a looser sauce.
  7. Serve warm, with extra Parmigiano if desired.

Nutrition

Nutrition

per serving
Calories
734
Amount/Serving % Daily Value
Carbs
87 grams
Protein
32 grams
Fat
28 grams
Saturated Fat
11 grams
Trans Fat
1 grams
Cholesterol
313 milligrams
Sodium
1167 milligrams
Fiber
4 grams
Sugar
3 grams
Unsaturated Fat
15 grams

2 reviews & comments

  • Author's avatar image
    Kelso Pitcaithly
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    You know this is good when Giada smiling from ear to ear 😁

  • Author's avatar image
    Kelso Pitcaithly
    ★★★★★
    ★★★★★

    Simple and delicious! Beautiful smile BTW

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