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olive garden carbonara recipe

Olive Garden Carbonara Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1 /2 cup pasta water, then drain without rinsing.

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti
  • 6 oz pancetta, diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano
  • 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Method
 

  1. Add diced pancetta to a cold large skillet over medium heat and render for 7 to 9 minutes until crisp. Add sliced garlic and cook 1 more minute, then pull the pan off the heat.
  2. Whisk together eggs, egg yolk, grated Parmesan, grated Pecorino Romano, and cracked black pepper in a bowl until a thick paste forms.
  3. Cook spaghetti in well-salted boiling water for 9 to 11 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain without rinsing.
  4. Add hot drained spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta fat and toss over medium-low heat for 1 minute until glossy. Remove from heat.
  5. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and toss with tongs, adding reserved pasta water 2 tbsp at a time until the sauce is glossy and coats every strand. Twirl into 4 bowls and finish with extra Parmesan, remaining pancetta, and a crack of black pepper.

Notes

This recipe relies on residual heat, not active flame, to set the sauce, so make sure the pan is off the heat before you add the egg mixture. If you are nervous about timing, having a helper hold the tongs while you pour in the egg mixture makes things easier. Leftovers reheat best in a skillet with a small splash of water over low heat.