Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe: Creamy Italian Comfort in a Bowl

Crafting an authentic spaghetti carbonara takes skill and passion for italian cuisine.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this delectable pasta dish in rome.

Creamy eggs, crisp pancetta, and pecorino romano cheese combine in a magical harmony.

Rich flavors dance across your palate with each carefully twirled forkful.

Professional chefs and home cooking enthusiasts agree this classic recipe demands precise technique.

Simple ingredients create an extraordinary meal that feels both rustic and elegant.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this beloved roman culinary treasure and make something spectacular together.

Spaghetti Carbonara Highlights

• Whip Up Classic Comfort: Dive into a creamy, rich pasta dish that brings Italian home cooking straight to your table with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
• Master Gourmet Cooking: Learn a sophisticated recipe that looks impressive but requires basic cooking skills, making you feel like a professional chef without years of training.
• Quick Weekend Delight: Prepare a satisfying meal in just minutes, perfect for busy families or spontaneous dinner gatherings that demand something delicious and uncomplicated.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pancetta for bacon or adding extra herbs, giving you flexibility to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy dish.

• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Provide richness and help create the signature silky sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Pancetta, Garlic: Pancetta brings a rich, salty meat flavor while garlic adds depth and aroma.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the overall taste of the dish.

How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until it reaches al dente texture.

Carefully set aside a cup of pasta water before draining the noodles in a colander.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture

• Whole eggs
• Egg yolks
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Crisp Pancetta

Heat a skillet over medium temperature.

Cook pancetta until it turns golden and crispy.

If desired, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pancetta

Lower the skillet’s heat.

Add drained spaghetti and gently toss to coat the noodles with the rendered pancetta fat, ensuring even distribution.

Step 5: Create Silky Sauce

Remove skillet from heat.

Quickly incorporate the egg mixture, stirring rapidly to prevent eggs from scrambling.

Gradually add reserved pasta water to develop a luxurious, creamy sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Transfer to serving plates and top with additional Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy immediately while the carbonara is warm and silky.

Helpful Tips for Spaghetti Carbonara

• Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency, adding a little at a time to create that perfect creamy texture without scrambling eggs.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding egg mixture and stir rapidly to ensure silky, smooth sauce without curdling.
• Select authentic Parmesan cheese and fresh eggs for rich, authentic carbonara flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Cook pancetta slowly over medium heat to render fat and achieve golden, crispy edges without burning.
• Work quickly when combining hot pasta with egg mixture to maintain sauce's luxurious, velvety consistency.

Flavor Variations for Spaghetti Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace pancetta with crispy mushrooms or smoked tofu for a plant-based protein alternative. Sauté mushrooms until golden and use in place of meat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients remain the same.
• Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash instead of pasta. Keep the egg and cheese mixture identical to maintain the classic carbonara flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use plant-based milk or additional egg yolks to maintain creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions for Spaghetti Carbonara

• Pasta Party Plate: Serve this creamy carbonara on large white plates to showcase the silky, golden sauce and crispy pancetta bits.
• Rustic Italian Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and crusty bread to soak up any remaining sauce.
• Wine Companion: Choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to complement the rich, salty flavors of the carbonara.
• Herb Finishing Touch: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a bright pop of color and subtle freshness that cuts through the richness.

Storage Tips for Spaghetti Carbonara

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Gently warm carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out and maintain pasta's moisture.
• Skip freezing carbonara as eggs and cream separate, destroying the signature silky texture. Fresh is always best for this delicate pasta dish.

FAQs

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps create a silky, smooth sauce and helps the sauce adhere better to the spaghetti.

• What if I don't have pancetta?

Bacon is an excellent substitute with a similar salty and fatty profile that works perfectly in carbonara.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Remove the skillet from heat before adding egg mixture and stir quickly and continuously to create a creamy sauce without curdling.

• Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu to maintain a similar texture and depth of flavor.

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Classic Italian spaghetti carbonara combines creamy pecorino romano with crisp pancetta for a Roman culinary delight. Pasta enthusiasts savor this simple yet elegant dish that connects you to authentic Italian kitchen traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti
• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks

Cheese:

• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, approximately 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract and reserve one cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Whisk eggs, additional egg yolks, and grated Parmesan in a separate mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and render pancetta until it develops a crisp, golden-brown texture. If desired, introduce minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds to release aromatic flavors.
4. Reduce the skillet’s heat to low and gently incorporate the drained spaghetti, ensuring each strand becomes luxuriously coated with rendered pancetta fat.
5. Immediately remove the skillet from heat and swiftly integrate the egg and cheese mixture, continuously stirring to prevent scrambling. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to create a silky, luxurious sauce that elegantly clings to the pasta.
6. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to elevate the dish’s flavor profile. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese for a decadent finishing touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky, smooth sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Grate fresh Parmesan cheese directly onto the dish for maximum flavor and creaminess compared to pre-grated options.
• Reserve pasta water strategically as the starchy liquid helps emulsify the sauce and prevents it from becoming too thick or dry.
• For a lighter version, swap pancetta with turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining the classic carbonara taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 512 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 210 mg