Perfect Pasta for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

One of the most popular dishes in many households is pasta. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, there’s no denying that pasta can be the perfect addition to your meal rotation. This article will walk you through how to prepare a simple yet delicious pasta dish that comes together in under 30 minutes and serves four people.

For this recipe, we’ll focus on creating an easy and comforting Pasta Carbonara. Pasta Carbonara is a traditional Italian dish characterized by its rich flavor profile of eggs, cheese, pancetta (or bacon), and black pepper. It’s hearty enough to satisfy your hunger while providing the perfect balance of salty, creamy, and peppery flavors.

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p>Ingredients:

• 24 ounces pasta (we recommend penne)
• 5 large eggs
• 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3/4 cups pancetta, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: a handful of fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Time: 25 minutesServings: 4 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add salt, then cook your penne until al dente according to package instructions.

2. In the meantime, heat up the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped pancetta to the pan. Cook the pancetta until it’s crispy but not too browned. The pancetta is essential as it adds richness and a bit of a smoky flavor that will complement the creaminess of the egg mixture.

3. Once your pasta has cooked, drain it in a colander and reserve approximately 1/2 cup of cooking water.

4. In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together three of the eggs with the Pecorino Romano cheese. Once combined, gently fold the cooked and drained penne into this mixture. It’s important to do this step carefully so that you don’t overmix and cause too much air to be incorporated into the pasta, which would result in a less creamy texture.

5. Return the skillet with the pancetta to medium heat, adding any reserved cooking water from the pasta. Pour the egg mixture over the hot pancetta in the pan. Cook this mixture for about two minutes until the eggs are set and slightly thickened but not scrambled.

6. Gently stir the penne into the sauce to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the creamy egg and cheese mixture. Be cautious during this step as the heat can be intense, so move slowly if your pan is full to avoid burning yourself or splashing hot oil/pancake mixtures.

7. Season the pasta carbonara generously with salt and pepper according to taste. For extra flair, you could also sprinkle in some fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Taste your Pasta Carbonara and adjust seasoning as needed. If it’s not quite as creamy for your liking, you can add a bit more cheese or even a splash of milk to achieve that desired consistency.

Conclusion:

This quick and simple recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Not only does Pasta Carbonara come together relatively quickly, but it’s also a dish that can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner cook or someone who loves to get creative with their meals, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

For those looking for variations on this theme, consider experimenting with different types of pasta like spirals or fusilli. You could also swap out pancetta for crispy bacon if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile. Another fun addition would be to toss in some fresh peas towards the end of cooking for an added pop of color and texture.

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p>To ensure your Pasta Carbonara is as tasty as possible, remember these key points:

• Use high-quality ingredients such as pancetta or bacon instead of just any bacon.
• Ensure your pasta reaches al dente before draining it. This will help maintain that perfect consistency when you toss everything together at the end.
• Precisely timing each step during preparation ensures that all components come together harmoniously without overcooking anything.

A well-prepared Pasta Carbonara is not just about the dish itself; it’s also about bringing people together, whether for a family dinner or simply to enjoy some quiet time with yourself. So, the next time you’re looking for something comforting and delicious, try this recipe, and discover why Pasta Carbonara remains such an iconic part of Italian cuisine.