Description
Easy Italian Spaghetti Carbonara is a quick and authentic Roman pasta dish combining spaghetti, crispy pancetta or guanciale, creamy egg yolks, sharp cheese, and freshly ground black pepper to create a rich, comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe balances simplicity and elegance, making it perfect for any level of cook and adaptable for dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 200g high-quality dried spaghetti
- 100g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
- 50g freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for pasta water
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook until just al dente, typically one or two minutes less than package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook the pancetta or guanciale: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta or guanciale and cook until crispy and golden, rendering out flavorful fat. Turn off the heat but keep the pan warm.
- Mix egg yolks and cheese: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Combine pasta and pancetta: Add the drained spaghetti to the warm skillet with pancetta, tossing quickly to coat the pasta in the rendered fat. Remove from heat immediately to prevent scrambling the eggs later.
- Add egg mixture and finish sauce: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing briskly while gradually adding the reserved pasta water until a creamy, glossy sauce forms. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for a smoother sauce.
- Slowly add pasta water while tossing to achieve perfect sauce consistency.
- Avoid direct heat when adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Grate your own cheese for better flavor and melting quality.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the creaminess without diluting the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 250g)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 280 mg
Keywords: Italian, Spaghetti Carbonara, Quick Pasta, Pancetta, Traditional Roman Recipe, Creamy Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food