Recipes
🇮🇹 Italian

Spaghetti Carbonara

Prep time10 min
Cook time15 min
Total time25 min
Calories550 kcal
Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara.jpg by JuTa · Public domain

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish renowned for its creamy sauce and rich flavors. Made with simple ingredients like eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and pancetta, this comforting pasta comes together quickly for a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
  • 150g (5 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain.

  2. 2

    While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.

  5. 5

    Add the hot cooked spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta and garlic, tossing to combine. Remove from heat to prevent scrambling the eggs.

  6. 6

    Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.

  7. 7

    Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.