Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

There's nothing quite like a bowl of Spaghetti Carbonara to transport you straight to the heart of Italy. With its creamy texture, savory pancetta, and a touch of black pepper, this dish is comfort food at its finest.

I first fell in love with Carbonara during a summer trip to Rome, where every bite was a perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Now, it’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or treat myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ready to make this classic Italian favorite? Let’s dive into what makes this dish a star.

Why You'll Love This Spaghetti Carbonara

Get ready to embrace a recipe that’s as satisfying to cook as it is to eat. Spaghetti Carbonara combines traditional flavors with an ease that’s hard to beat.

First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. From start to finish, you’ll have a gourmet-level meal on the table in under 30 minutes. That’s right—delicious doesn’t have to mean time-consuming.

The ingredients are delightfully simple and affordable. You probably already have most of them in your pantry or fridge. Eggs, spaghetti, Parmesan cheese, and pancetta are all you need for this Italian classic.

This recipe is also perfectly versatile. Whether you’re serving a romantic dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, Carbonara scales effortlessly to fit any occasion.

Finally, the flavor is unbeatable. The rich, creamy sauce—made without a drop of cream—coats every strand of spaghetti, delivering a taste experience that’s indulgent yet elegant.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its simplicity, but each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.

• Spaghetti: The foundation of this dish. While other pasta shapes can work, spaghetti provides the ideal texture and surface area for the creamy sauce to cling to.
• Pancetta: This cured pork adds a salty, savory kick. If pancetta isn’t available, diced bacon is a fine substitute. Just make sure it’s cooked to crisp perfection.
• Eggs: The secret to Carbonara’s creamy sauce is not cream but a combination of whole eggs and yolks. They create a rich, velvety texture when mixed with the hot pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is essential. Its nutty flavor ties the dish together beautifully. Pecorino Romano is a traditional alternative if you prefer a sharper taste.
• Black Pepper: Coarsely ground black pepper is a key ingredient—not just a garnish. Its warmth balances the richness of the sauce.

You’ll also need a large skillet for cooking the pancetta and a mixing bowl to combine your sauce ingredients.

How To Make This Spaghetti Carbonara

Making Spaghetti Carbonara is a delightful, straightforward process. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente—about 1 minute less than the package instructions. Reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks until smooth. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a generous pinch of black pepper. The mixture should resemble a thick batter.

Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your pancetta. Cook until it’s golden and crisp, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, reduce the heat to low.

When the spaghetti is ready, transfer it directly into the skillet with the pancetta using tongs. Toss to combine, letting the pasta absorb some of the rendered fat.

Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta. Stir quickly and continuously to create a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Storage Options

While Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers if needed.

• Refrigerate: Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To gently reheat, add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth over low heat. Stir continuously to prevent the sauce from separating.

Note: Carbonara is not ideal for freezing, as the egg-based sauce can become grainy.

Variations and Substitutions

The charm of Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to switch things up:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty alternative.
• Cheese Swap: Try a mix of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan for a slightly sharper flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
• Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a more filling meal.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.

Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. With such a forgiving base, you’re sure to create something delicious!

No matter how you serve it, Spaghetti Carbonara is a dish that brings people together. Its simplicity and elegance make it a timeless favorite. So grab your apron, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Italy right in your own kitchen!

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