Carbonara Recipe – How To Make Irresistible Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is a classic Italian pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavors. This traditional recipe uses simple ingredients like eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (or pancetta), and black pepper to create a luxurious sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.

The beauty of Carbonara lies in its simplicity and bold flavors. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend treat. With no cream needed, this authentic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe delivers silky pasta perfection every time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
• 150g (5 oz) guanciale or pancetta, diced
• 3 large eggs
• 100g (1 cup) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 2g (1/2 tsp) freshly ground black pepper
• Salt for pasta water

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
3. Cook the guanciale: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced guanciale or pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Combine pasta and guanciale: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale, tossing to combine and coat the pasta in the rendered fat.
5. Create the sauce: Off the heat, slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.
6. Serve: Plate the pasta and sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano and black pepper for garnish. Serve immediately.

Spaghetti Carbonara Tips:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality eggs, Pecorino Romano, and guanciale for authentic flavor.
2. No Cream Needed: The sauce is traditionally creamy from eggs and cheese—skip the heavy cream.
3. Cook Pasta Al Dente: This ensures the pasta absorbs the sauce perfectly.
4. Save Pasta Water: Use reserved pasta water to help emulsify the sauce for a silky texture.
5. Low Heat for Sauce: Combine the egg mixture with pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling.

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe Variations:

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace guanciale with mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian twist.
• Smoky Carbonara: Use smoked pancetta or bacon for a slightly smoky flavor.
• Creamy Carbonara: Add a splash of cream for those who prefer a richer sauce.
• Seafood Carbonara: Include shrimp or scallops as a protein alternative.
• Truffle Carbonara: Drizzle truffle oil or add shaved truffles for an upscale version.
• Gluten-Free Carbonara: Use gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.

This authentic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare yet delivers restaurant-quality results!

Explore more pasta recipes:

Penne Arrabbiata: Bold and spicy for pasta enthusiasts.”*

Mac and Cheese: A cheesy classic everyone loves.

Shrimp Scampi Linguine: A seafood favorite with garlic butter.