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Easy Spaghetti Carbonara

Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe – Creamy & Authentic


Description

ey there, pasta lovers! 🍝 If you’re craving a creamy, indulgent, and easy-to-make Italian classic, look no further than Spaghetti Carbonara. This dish is rich, flavorful, and made with just a handful of simple ingredients, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for special occasions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make Spaghetti Carbonara at home, ensuring it’s authentic, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Let’s dive in!


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (or any long pasta like linguine)
  • 4 oz (115g) pancetta (or thick-cut bacon, diced)
  • 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks
  • 1 cup (100g) Pecorino Romano cheese (grated)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste

Optional Additions:

  • 1 clove garlic, smashed (for a hint of aroma)
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Substitutions:

  • Pancetta vs. Bacon: If pancetta is unavailable, use high-quality bacon.
  • Pecorino Romano vs. Parmesan: Pecorino is more traditional, but Parmesan works well too.
  • Eggs: Use fresh, organic eggs for the best flavor.

Instructions

Step1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente (firm to the bite).
  • Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step2: Cook the Pancetta

  • In a large skillet over medium heat, cook diced pancetta until crispy (about 4-5 minutes).
  • If using garlic, sauté it in the pancetta fat for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Remove the garlic before adding the pasta.

Step3: Prepare the Carbonara Sauce

  • In a bowl, whisk together:
    • 2 eggs + 2 yolks
    • Grated Pecorino Romano
    • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Mix until smooth.

Step4: Combine Pasta & Sauce

  • Add drained pasta to the skillet with pancetta.
  • Remove from heat (important to prevent scrambled eggs).
  • Pour in the egg-cheese mixture, stirring quickly to coat the pasta.
  • If needed, add reserved pasta water (1-2 tbsp at a time) to make the sauce extra creamy.

Step5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Sprinkle with more Pecorino Romano and black pepper.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve immediately while warm and creamy!

Notes

  • Always use room-temperature eggs to prevent curdling.
  • Don’t cook eggs over direct heat—mixing them with hot pasta is enough.
  • Pasta water is key! It helps bind the sauce, creating that signature silky texture.
  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.