Ciao, pasta lovers! If you’re craving something rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, this Bucatini Carbonara is the perfect dish. With its creamy egg-based sauce, crispy pancetta, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this classic Roman pasta is simple yet indulgent.
The hollow bucatini pasta adds a fun twist to the traditional spaghetti carbonara, making it perfect for twirling. Ready to whip up this Italian favorite? Let’s get started!
Bucatini Carbonara
Ingredients
For the Bucatini Carbonara
- 12 oz bucatini pasta
- 4 oz pancetta or guanciale diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and smashed (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Salt for the pasta water
- 1 tbsp olive oil if needed for cooking pancetta
For Serving
- Extra grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional)
Substitutions
- Vegetarian: Use vegetarian bacon or mushroom pieces in place of pancetta.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bucatini or spaghetti.
- Low-Fat: Use half Parmesan and half grated zucchini for a lighter sauce.
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bucatini pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Cook the Pancetta
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the pancetta or guanciale and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- If the pancetta is lean, add a little olive oil to help it cook evenly.
- If using, add the smashed garlic cloves to the skillet during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor, then remove and discard the garlic once fragrant.
Prepare the Carbonara Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Set aside.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked bucatini to the skillet with the crispy pancetta, tossing to combine.
- Remove the skillet from the heat.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce.
- The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs, but be sure to stir constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Serve
- Divide the Bucatini Carbonara between plates and top with extra grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 plate of Bucatini Carbonara):
- Calories: 500-550
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Variations:
- Spicy Carbonara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pancetta while it cooks for a spicy kick.
- Vegetable Carbonara: Stir in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a veggie-packed version.
- Mushroom Carbonara: Add sautéed mushrooms to the pancetta for an earthy twist.
Suggestions:
- Serving Ideas: Serve Bucatini Carbonara with a simple side salad and a glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay. Crusty garlic bread also makes the perfect accompaniment to this rich pasta.
- Make It Ahead: While Carbonara is best served fresh, you can prepare the pancetta and whisk together the egg mixture ahead of time. Simply cook the pasta and combine everything when ready to serve.
- Storage Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Wrapping It Up:
And there you have it—Bucatini Carbonara that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! This classic Italian pasta dish is the ultimate comfort food, with its rich sauce, crispy pancetta, and perfectly cooked bucatini. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal, Carbonara is sure to impress with its simplicity and flavor. So grab your ingredients, cook up a big pot of pasta, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Roman classic. Buon appetito!
