20-Minute Carbonara

    5m prep time
    20m total time
    Easy level
    7 ingredients

A classic Italian dish that’s worth taking the time to practice and add to your weeknight repertoire.

Method

Based on 4 servings, adjust as needed.

Step 1

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to boil – it should be as salty as the sea. Add the spaghetti and cook for 8-9 minutes, until al dente.

Step 2

Whilst the pasta is cooking add the pancetta and olive oil to a large frying pan. Set over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes, until the bacon is golden and the fat has rendered. Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 3

Next, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, grated parmesan, a tiny pinch of salt and some black pepper.

Step 4

Once the pasta is ready, scoop out a cupful of cooking water then drain the pasta. Add a splash of the cooking water to the egg mixture, this will help to prevent it scrambling. Heat up the bacon pan and add the cooked spaghetti and peas, stir until the rendered fat coats the pasta.

Step 5

Remove the pan from the heat, then add the egg mixture and stir briskly until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. If it looks dry add some more cooking water.

Step 6

Divide the pasta between the bowls and serve with extra parmesan and black pepper.
  • Ingredients
  • Based on 4 servings
  • 4 Eggs, half whole, half just the yolk 1 x Sainsbury's British Free Range Eggs Medium x6
  • 200g Peas, defrosted 1 x Sainsbury's Garden Peas 910g
  • 100g Parmesan, grated 1 x Sainsbury's Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 200g
  • 1 tsp Olive Oil 1 x Sainsbury's Olive Oil 500ml
  • 320g Spaghetti 1 x Sainsbury's Spaghetti Pasta 500g
  • 200g Pancetta 1 x Sainsbury's Italian Cubetti Di Pancetta 200g
  • Maldon Salt, to taste 1 x Maldon Sea Salt Flakes 250g
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