Hairy Bikers Carbonara

Hairy Bikers Carbonara is made with spaghetti, pancetta or bacon, whole eggs, and Parmesan or Pecorino cheese. This traditional Carbonara recipe creates a easy dinner that takes about 30 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 4 people.

Hairy Bikers Carbonara Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or unsalted butter
• 1/2 pound pancetta or thick cut bacon, diced
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced (about 1 teaspoon, optional)
• 3-4 whole eggs (use 3 for a lighter sauce or 4 for creamier)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese, packed
• 1 pound spaghetti (or bucatini or fettuccine)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How To Make Hairy Bikers Carbonara

1. Prepare Pasta Water: Salt the water in a big pot, using 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil.
2. Cook Pancetta: Set the pan on medium heat with olive oil or butter. Cook the pancetta until it becomes crispy. If using garlic, add it to the pancetta in the last minute of cooking, then remove from heat.
3. Beat Eggs and Cheese: In a small bowl, beat the eggs and mix in half of the cheese.
4. Cook Pasta: Once the water is boiling, cook the pasta until al dente. The pasta should still be a little firm.
5. Combine Pasta and Pancetta: Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly from the pot to the bowl with Pancetta and garlic, allowing a little pasta water to drip with the pasta to help form the sauce.
6. Mix Eggs and Pasta: Quickly pour the beaten egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta. Toss everything together briskly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs just enough to form a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Add more pasta water if needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
7. Season and Serve: Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, sprinkling the remaining cheese and optional chopped fresh parsley on top.

Recipe Tips:

• Watch the Egg Temperature: Make sure to mix the eggs with the pasta while it’s still very hot to cook them slightly, but be quick to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some of the water in which you cook the pasta. You can add this to the sauce to make it creamier if it seems too thick.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure the pasta is cooked until just al dente (still firm). Overcooking the pasta can make the dish too soft when mixed with the sauce.
• Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it as soon as you mix the pasta with the sauce to enjoy its creamy texture.

What To Serve Carbonara?

Carbonara goes great with a fresh salad, cooked vegetables, or garlic bread. You can also have it with roasted asparagus, cooked mushrooms, bruschetta, or a tomato salad for a tasty meal.

How To Store Leftovers Carbonara?

• Refrigerate: Store the Carbonara in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freeze: It’s best not to freeze Carbonara because the creamy egg sauce can separate and become grainy when thawed.

Hairy Bikers Carbonara Nutrition Fact

• Calories 570
• Calories from Fat 296
• Total Fat 33g
• Cholesterol 186mg
• Sodium 965mg
• Potassium 386mg
• Total Carbohydrates 113g
• Dietary Fiber 7.5g 
• Sugars 2.5g 
• Protein 44g

Try More Hairy Bikers Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Turkey Burgers
• Hairy Bikers Steak And Chips
• Hairy Bikers Focaccia
• Hairy Bikers Baked Bean Pie