The Perfect Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Get the best spaghetti carbonara recipe instructions below!
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Few dishes can rival the comfort and elegance of Spaghetti Carbonara.
With its creamy, silky sauce, savory pancetta, and rich cheese, it’s no surprise this Italian classic has become a worldwide favorite.
Even better, it’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare.
Inspired by my first bite of Carbonara in Rome, this recipe is a tribute to its authentic flavors.
Let’s dive in and discover how to recreate this masterpiece at home.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Spaghetti Carbonara is more than a meal—it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become your new go-to dish:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights or impromptu dinner plans.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta to create something extraordinary.
- Rich and Comforting: The creamy sauce is indulgent yet balanced by the savory pancetta and sharp cheese.
- A Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids adore its cheesy, bacon-like flavors.
Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of Carbonara lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role:
- Spaghetti: The traditional pasta for Carbonara, its long strands hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Bucatini or fettuccine are good substitutes.
- Pancetta or Guanciale: Guanciale (cured pork cheek) is traditional, but pancetta works beautifully. Bacon can be used in a pinch for a similar smoky flavor.
- Eggs: A mix of whole eggs and yolks forms the creamy base without the need for cream.
- Pecorino Romano: This tangy, sharp cheese is essential for authentic Carbonara. Parmesan is a milder substitute.
- Black Pepper: Coarsely ground pepper adds a touch of heat and enhances the dish’s depth.
- Garlic: Optional, but rubbing a garlic clove in the pan adds subtle aromatic notes.
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How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Creating Carbonara is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to master it:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs and 1 egg yolk until smooth. Stir in freshly grated Pecorino Romano and a generous amount of black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Pancetta
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta or guanciale and cook for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. If desired, rub a garlic clove around the skillet for subtle flavor, then discard.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Pancetta
Reduce the skillet heat to low. Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet, coating it in the rendered fat from the pancetta. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent scrambling the eggs.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously to coat. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a silky sauce. Add small amounts of reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta immediately. Top with extra Pecorino Romano and a crack of black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection.
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Storage and Reheating
While Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can store and reheat it with care:
- Refrigeration: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from breaking.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the delicate nature of the egg-based sauce.
Variations and Substitutions
Carbonara is a classic, but it’s also versatile. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:
- Add Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach make great additions.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle chili oil for a bit of heat.
- Try Different Cheese: Blend Pecorino Romano with Parmesan for a slightly milder flavor.
- Lighten It Up: Use whole-wheat pasta or reduce the cheese slightly for a healthier version.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the pancetta and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- ½ cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 garlic clove, optional
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
- Cook pancetta: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta until crispy. Optionally, rub the garlic clove around the pan for added flavor, then discard.
- Prepare sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.
- Combine pasta and pancetta: Toss the drained spaghetti into the skillet with the pancetta. Remove from heat.
- Create sauce: Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat. Add pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Pecorino Romano and black pepper. Serve immediately.
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Final Thoughts
Spaghetti Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food that combines ease with elegance.
With its creamy sauce, crispy pancetta, and bold flavors, this dish will transport you straight to Italy.
Pair it with a crisp salad or a glass of white wine for the perfect meal. Once you master this recipe, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite.
Buon appetito!