ChatGPT Carbonara:
200g spaghetti
100g pancetta or guanciale, diced into small pieces
2 large eggs
1 extra egg yolk
50g grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt for the pasta water
Optional: extra cheese for serving
Instructions
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water since this is the main way the pasta gets seasoned.
Add the spaghetti and cook it until al dente according to the package instructions. Stir occasionally so the pasta does not stick together.
Before draining the pasta, carefully reserve about 1 cup of the hot pasta water. This starchy water is important because it helps create the smooth, creamy carbonara sauce.
While the pasta is cooking, place the pancetta or guanciale into a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
Cook the pancetta slowly until the fat renders out and the meat becomes crispy and golden brown. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, extra egg yolk, grated cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until fully combined.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it quickly and immediately add it to the pan with the pancetta. Toss the pasta so it becomes coated in the flavorful rendered fat.
Remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg mixture. This step is important because direct heat can scramble the eggs instead of creating a silky sauce.
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta while tossing constantly. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs and melt the cheese.
Add small splashes of the reserved pasta water while mixing until the sauce becomes glossy, smooth, and creamy.
Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning if needed. Usually the cheese and pancetta provide enough salt, but extra black pepper is always recommended.
Serve immediately while hot. Top with additional grated cheese and another sprinkle of black pepper for the best flavor.
Tips
Traditional carbonara does not use cream. The creamy texture comes from the eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
Guanciale gives the most authentic flavor, but pancetta works very well too.
Work quickly when combining the sauce so the pasta stays hot enough to create the creamy texture.
Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded cheese.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more pasta water until it loosens up.