Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe: Creamy Italian Comfort on a Plate

Creamy, dreamy spaghetti carbonara captures the heart of Italian cuisine with its rich, silky sauce.

This classic roman dish blends simple ingredients into a magical culinary experience.

Eggs, pecorino cheese, and crispy pancetta create an irresistible combination that melts in your mouth.

The traditional recipe celebrates rustic flavors with minimal fuss and maximum deliciousness.

Each twirl of pasta coated in velvety sauce tells a story of comfort and tradition.

Cooking this dish transforms an ordinary evening into a celebration of authentic Italian cooking.

Unleash your inner chef and prepare to savor every delectable bite.

Carbonara Storage for Future Meals

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly. Mix in a tablespoon of cream or pasta water to revive the sauce's silky consistency.
• Skip freezing carbonara since eggs and cream separate, causing the texture to break down and become grainy when thawed.

FAQs

• What is pancetta and can I substitute it?

Pancetta is Italian cured pork belly similar to bacon. You can substitute with bacon or guanciale for a similar flavor profile, though traditional carbonara uses pancetta.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Quickly toss the hot pasta with egg mixture off direct heat, using residual warmth to gently cook eggs. Keep stirring continuously and work fast to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling.

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce, adjust consistency, and create a silky texture. It allows you to thin or thicken the sauce as needed without losing flavor.

Spaghetti Carbonara Perks

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this classic Italian dish that brings warmth and satisfaction in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying hunger pangs.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Create a restaurant-quality meal with basic pantry staples, making it an ideal go-to recipe for unexpected dinner cravings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Charm: Delight family and friends with a creamy, rich pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, transforming an ordinary meal into a special moment.
• Chef-Level Technique: Master an authentic carbonara that showcases your cooking skills with its smooth, silky sauce and perfectly crispy pancetta, impressing everyone at the table.

Spaghetti Carbonara Ingredient Lineup

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian long pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Pancetta: A rich, salty Italian cured pork that adds depth and crispy texture to the recipe.
• Eggs, Egg Yolks: Essential for creating the signature silky and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that provides a sharp and salty flavor to the carbonara.
• Olive Oil: Used to help crisp the pancetta and add a subtle, smooth base flavor.
• Garlic: An optional aromatic ingredient that can boost the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Black Pepper: A key spice that adds a warm, sharp note to the creamy sauce.
• Salt: Helps to season the pasta water and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

Carbonara Cooking Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil.

Gently drop spaghetti into the water and cook until it reaches al dente texture.

Keep a cup of pasta water nearby, then drain the pasta in a colander.

Step 2: Crisp Up Pancetta

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Add pancetta and cook until it becomes golden and crispy.

If desired, toss in minced garlic and sauté for a quick moment to release its aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Whip Creamy Egg Mixture

In a mixing bowl, crack whole eggs and extra yolks.

Sprinkle in freshly grated parmesan cheese.

Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, silky blend.

Grind in a generous amount of black pepper for extra kick.

Step 4: Create Silky Carbonara Sauce

Transfer hot pasta to the skillet with crispy pancetta.

Remove from heat to prevent egg scrambling.

Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing rapidly and continuously.

The residual heat will transform the eggs into a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Splash in reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Dust the carbonara with additional freshly ground black pepper and a snowfall of parmesan cheese.

Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot and the sauce is velvety smooth.

Tips for Traditional Carbonara

• Toss hot pasta with egg mixture off direct heat to create silky, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Select authentic guanciale or pancetta and freshly grated parmesan for authentic Italian flavor.
• Reserve starchy pasta water to help emulsify sauce and achieve perfect creamy consistency.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to avoid accidentally creating scrambled eggs.
• Enjoy carbonara right away while sauce remains smooth and glossy for best taste and texture.

Carbonara Twists to Explore

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace pancetta with crispy smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until golden brown for a protein-packed meatless version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Bacon Alternative Carbonara: Substitute pancetta with crispy bacon or guanciale for a different smoky flavor profile that still maintains the classic Italian essence.
• Low-Carb Version: Use spiralized daikon radish or spaghetti squash instead of traditional pasta, keeping the rich egg and cheese sauce while reducing carbohydrate content.

Serving Spaghetti Carbonara with Flair

• Rustic Italian Feast Pairing: Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta.
• Wine Companion Selection: Pair with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that complements the carbonara's creamy texture.
• Elegant Side Presentation: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil and extra grated parmesan for added color and depth of flavor.
• Hearty Meal Transformation: Add a side of roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to create a more substantial dinner experience.

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, silky spaghetti carbonara brings Roman culinary magic straight to your kitchen with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Crispy pancetta, rich eggs, and pecorino romano cheese create a luscious sauce that whisks you into Italian comfort in mere minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) pancetta, diced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 400 grams (14.1 ounces) spaghetti
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti until tender yet firm, approximately 8-9 minutes.
2. Drain pasta, reserving one cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use. Set pasta aside.
3. Render pancetta in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crisp, releasing its rich, savory oils. If desired, briefly sauté minced garlic for added depth.
4. Whisk whole eggs and extra yolks in a separate bowl, incorporating freshly grated parmesan and cracked black pepper until mixture becomes uniformly smooth.
5. Remove skillet from direct heat, then immediately toss hot pasta with crispy pancetta.
6. Rapidly fold egg mixture into warm pasta, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling. The residual heat will gently cook eggs, creating a silky, luxurious sauce.
7. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water to achieve desired sauce consistency, ensuring a glossy, creamy texture.
8. Finish with an extra sprinkle of black pepper and additional parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while temperature and texture are optimal.

Notes

• Carefully mix the egg mixture with hot pasta off the heat to create a smooth, silky sauce without turning eggs into scrambled bits.
• Reserved starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a perfectly creamy texture without drying out the carbonara.
• Replace parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based bacon or smoked tofu for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the original flavor profile.
• Use room temperature eggs to ensure even coating and reduce the risk of accidentally scrambling when mixing with hot pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 55 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg