Lemon Basil Spaghetti Carbonara 🍋🍝✨

 New Recipe: Lemon Basil Spaghetti Carbonara 🍋🍝✨

Ingredients:

• For the pasta:

  • 400g spaghetti
  • Salt for boiling water

• For the sauce:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste

• For the pancetta:

  • 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)

• For garnish:

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Additional grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
  • Lemon wedges (optional)

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Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Prepare the sauce:

   • In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan, Pecorino, lemon zest, lemon juice, and chopped basil. Set aside.

3. Cook the pancetta:

   • In a large skillet, cook diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy. If needed, add olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove from heat and leave the pancetta in the skillet.

4. Combine pasta and pancetta:

   • Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to combine, allowing the pasta to absorb the pancetta's flavor.

5. Create the creamy sauce:

   • Off the heat, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to adjust the consistency. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently.

6. Season and garnish:

   • Season with freshly cracked black pepper and adjust salt if necessary. Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra cheese, and lemon wedges for an optional zesty finish.

7. Serve:

   • Serve immediately while warm, with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad if desired.

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Optional Variations:

• Add peas or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
• Use smoked salmon instead of pancetta for a seafood twist.
• Replace basil with parsley for a more traditional herb flavor.