Pancetta Spiced Ham Carbonara
Rich, savory, and utterly indulgent, Pancetta Spiced Ham Carbonara is a modern twist on the classic Italian favorite. This recipe combines the smoky depth of pancetta with the bold, flavorful kick of spiced ham, creating a unique medley of cured meats that elevate every forkful. The creamy sauce, made with egg yolks, a whole egg, and freshly grated Parmesan, coats al dente spaghetti to perfection, while garlic and freshly ground black pepper add an aromatic, peppery finish. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant entertaining. Garnish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. Effortlessly comforting and deeply satisfying, this pancetta carbonara recipe will impress pasta lovers craving bold flavors and a creamy texture.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams spaghetti
- 150 grams pancetta, diced
- 100 grams spiced ham, diced
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 large whole egg
- 100 grams Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, and grated Parmesan cheese. Set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and spiced ham, cooking until the meats are golden and crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Reduce the heat to low. Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with the pancetta and ham, tossing to combine the flavors evenly.
Remove the skillet from heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Slowly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly and continuously to create a creamy sauce.
If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Season the dish with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss once more to combine.
Divide the carbonara among serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2182 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 134.0 g | 172% | |
| Saturated Fat | 53.7 g | 268% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 993 mg | 331% | |
| Sodium | 5477 mg | 238% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 133.4 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.1 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.1 g | ||
| Protein | 111.5 g | 223% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 1286 mg | 99% | |
| Iron | 11.3 mg | 63% | |
| Potassium | 820 mg | 17% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
