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+ servings
A shallow bowl of rigatoni carbonara with grated cheese on top.
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5 from 1 vote

Rigatoni Carbonara

This super simple and hassle free rigatoni carbonara is the perfect weeknight dinner. Whip it up in 20 minutes with only 5 ingredients!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: 20 minute, Pasta
Servings: 4
Calories: 688kcal
Author: Mika Kinney

Ingredients

  • 12 oz rigatoni 1 package, plus water and salt for cooking
  • 6 egg yolks
  • 8 oz pancetta* 2 packages
  • ½ cup pecorino or parmesan
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of water salted with about 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook for 12-14 minutes until just barely al dente (firm when bitten but not chalky).
  • Add the pancetta to a large skillet that is large enough for the pancetta to all be in one layer and deep enough to add all the pasta later. Cook over medium heat until crispy and golden brown.
    Pancetta frying in a skillet.
  • Separate the egg yolks and add the yolks to a large bowl; whisk with the pepper. It is helpful to use a heavy bowl (like glass or ceramic) because you won't be able to hold it while you whisk in the pork fat later.
  • Remove the pancetta from the pan (keep the pan on low heat) and set aside so it stays crispy. Carefully pour the hot pancetta fat into the bowl of egg yolks while constantly whisking the yolks. The mixture should emulsify as you whisk, turning silky with a thin pudding like consistency.
    A bowl full of whisked egg yolks.
  • Add half a cup of pasta water to the pot that cooked the pancetta in it to deglaze the pan. Add the rigatoni to it and stir. Cook for 2-3 minutes until coated and hot.
  • Add the pasta and pancetta to the bowl with the egg sauce. Carefully stir to combine and until all evenly coated in the golden yellow sauce. Top with pecorino cheese and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Nutritional information is an estimate and for informational purposes only.
 
See the post above for substitution options and storage options.

Nutrition

Calories: 688kcal | Carbohydrates: 66g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 342mg | Sodium: 543mg | Potassium: 344mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 463IU | Calcium: 189mg | Iron: 2mg