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Cinnamon Pancetta Carbonara

Fettuccine carbonara is a typical weeknight meal for many Italians, and I love it, too. I couldn’t resist adding an extra layer of flavor to this classic dish to improve on something that is already great. I know the sweet-salty combination of bacon with cinnamon sounds odd, but the flavors are extraordinary together. Try it; you’ll see.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    6 servings

Ingredients

6 ounces pancetta (about 6 slices), chopped
2 ounces bacon (2 or 3 slices), chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups heavy cream
1Ā 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6 large egg yolks
18 ounces fresh fettuccine
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Cook the pancetta and bacon in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the cinnamon and sautƩ until the meat is crisp and golden, about 2 minutes longer. Turn the heat to low. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, cheese, and egg yolks. Add the cream mixture to the pan with the pancetta and cook at a very low simmer, stirring often with a wooden spoon.

    Step 2

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the fettuccine and cook until it is just tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes.

    Step 3

    Drain the pasta and add it to the cream mixture with the salt and pepper. Continue cooking over very low heat until the sauce coats the pasta thickly, about 3 minutes (do not boil). Transfer the pasta to a large, wide serving bowl. Sprinkle with the chives and serve.

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