Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and rich flavor. Originating from Rome, this iconic recipe relies on just a handful of high-quality ingredients—pasta, eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper—to create a luxuriously creamy sauce without the use of cream. The magic of carbonara lies in its technique: hot pasta gently cooks the eggs, forming a silky sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti.
This dish proves that less truly is more. When prepared correctly, Spaghetti Carbonara is comforting, indulgent, and deeply satisfying, making it a timeless favorite in Italian kitchens and restaurants around the world.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it transforms simple ingredients into something incredibly special. The creamy texture, salty pork, sharp cheese, and bold black pepper come together perfectly. It feels both rustic and refined, and it’s amazing how such a quick dish can deliver so much flavor and comfort.
Why This Is a Must-Try Dish
- Authentic Italian classic
- No cream required—naturally creamy sauce
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Rich, comforting, and elegant
- Perfect for weeknights or special dinners
If you appreciate traditional Italian cooking, Spaghetti Carbonara is an absolute must-try.
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian (Roman)
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 480–520 calories per serving
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz guanciale (or pancetta/bacon), diced
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- Salt (for pasta water)
Cooking Directions
- Cook spaghetti until al dente.
- Crisp guanciale in a skillet.
- Whisk eggs, cheese, and pepper.
- Toss pasta with pork and egg mixture off heat.
- Serve immediately.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole egg, grated Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the Pork
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced guanciale until golden and crisp. Turn off heat once rendered and crispy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pork
Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with guanciale. Toss to coat in rendered fat.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Remove skillet from heat. Slowly add egg mixture, tossing quickly to coat pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a silky sauce forms.
How to Serve Spaghetti Carbonara
- Serve immediately while hot
- Garnish with extra Pecorino Romano
- Finish with freshly cracked black pepper
- Pair with a simple green salad or crusty bread
Recipe Tips
- Always remove pan from heat before adding eggs
- Use freshly grated cheese for best texture
- Save pasta water—it’s key to the sauce
- Stir quickly to avoid scrambling eggs
- Keep seasoning simple and authentic
Variations (Detailed)
Classic Roman Carbonara
Use only guanciale and Pecorino Romano—no substitutions.
Pancetta Carbonara
A milder alternative using pancetta instead of guanciale.
Bacon Carbonara
Popular outside Italy, slightly smokier flavor.
Vegetarian Carbonara
Replace pork with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.
Creamy-Style Carbonara
Add a splash of cream (non-traditional but popular).
Freezing and Storage
Freezing
- Not recommended, as sauce texture will change
Storage
- Best eaten immediately
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 1 day
- Reheat gently with a splash of water
Special Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cheese grater
Conclusion
Spaghetti Carbonara is a shining example of Italian culinary simplicity at its finest. With just a few ingredients and the right technique, you can create a dish that is creamy, comforting, and unforgettable. Once mastered, this classic recipe becomes a reliable go-to that never fails to impress.
Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish celebrated for its simplicity, elegance, and rich flavor. Originating from Rome, this iconic recipe relies on just a handful of high-quality ingredients—pasta, eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper—to create a luxuriously creamy sauce without the use of cream.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
-
Step 1: Cook the Pasta : Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
-
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce : In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole egg, grated Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
-
Step 3: Cook the Pork : In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced guanciale until golden and crisp. Turn off heat once rendered and crispy.
-
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pork : Add drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with guanciale. Toss to coat in rendered fat.
-
Step 5: Create the Sauce : Remove skillet from heat. Slowly add egg mixture, tossing quickly to coat pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until a silky sauce forms.
