Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara

A creamy, rich, and authentic Roman pasta dish made with eggs, pancetta, and Pecorino Romano. Spaghetti Carbonara is one of Italy’s most famous pasta dishes, known for its simple ingredients that come together to create a luxurious, silky sauce without the need for cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Italian Flavor – Made the traditional Roman way with Pecorino Romano and guanciale or pancetta.
• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Creamy Without Cream – The sauce is naturally rich and velvety, thanks to eggs and cheese.
• Few Ingredients, Big Flavor – Uses only pantry staples but delivers a gourmet experience.
• Perfectly Balanced Texture – Crispy pancetta, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce create a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti
• Pancetta or guanciale, diced
• Large eggs + egg yolk
• Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt (for pasta water)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a pan over medium heat, cook diced pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolk, grated Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.
4. Add the hot drained pasta to the pan with pancetta, tossing to coat in rendered fat.
5. Remove from heat and quickly mix in the egg mixture, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce.
6. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach a silky consistency.
7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Pecorino and black pepper.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 2 servings
• Calories: 480 kcal per serving

Variations

• Traditional Guanciale – Use guanciale (cured pork cheek) instead of pancetta for a more authentic Roman taste.
• Extra Creamy Version – Use an additional egg yolk for a richer sauce.
• Garlic Infused – Lightly sauté a whole garlic clove in the pancetta fat, then remove before adding the pasta for a subtle garlic aroma.
• Spicy Carbonara – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Cheese Blend – While Pecorino Romano is traditional, a mix of Pecorino and Parmigiano-Reggiano can add depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the sauce does not reheat well.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as the eggs may scramble.

FAQs

What makes Carbonara authentic?

Authentic Carbonara contains only pasta, eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (or pancetta), black pepper, and pasta water—no cream or garlic.

Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?

Pecorino Romano is traditional, but Parmesan can be used as a substitute, though it has a milder flavor.

Why did my Carbonara sauce turn into scrambled eggs?

The pan may have been too hot when adding the eggs. Always remove the pan from heat before mixing in the egg mixture and stir quickly to create a smooth sauce.

What’s the best pasta for Carbonara?

Spaghetti is the most traditional, but fettuccine, bucatini, or rigatoni also work well.

Can I make this dish without pork?

Yes, for a vegetarian version, omit the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.

How do I make Carbonara less salty?

Since Pecorino Romano and pancetta are salty, avoid adding too much salt to the pasta water.

Is Carbonara supposed to have cream?

No, traditional Carbonara relies on eggs and cheese to create its creamy texture—no cream is used.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce thickens over time. If making ahead, store the components separately and combine just before serving.

How do I prevent clumpy sauce?

Make sure to toss the pasta continuously while adding the egg mixture, and use reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.

Can I add vegetables to Carbonara?

While not traditional, peas, asparagus, or spinach can be added for extra color and freshness.

Conclusion

Classic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara is a simple yet luxurious dish that brings the flavors of Rome straight to your table. With its creamy, silky sauce, crispy pancetta, and rich Pecorino Romano, this dish is a true Italian favorite. Try this easy and authentic recipe today for a perfect pasta experience!