Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Servings: 4 Total Time: 50 mins Difficulty: Beginner
Ready to whip up the creamiest, dreamiest Spaghetti Carbonara? 🍝 This classic Italian dish is simple yet packed with flavor. Follow the steps below for a foolproof Carbonara that's restaurant-worthy!"
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Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 25 mins Total Time 50 mins
Servings: 4

Description

A creamy and delicious traditional Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. Perfect for a quick but indulgent meal!

Ingredient

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

  1. Cook the Pancetta

    In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Add the garlic clove for extra flavor, then remove it before adding pasta.

  1. Prepare the Sauce

    In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, and black pepper.

  1. Combine Everything

    Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta, tossing to coat in the rendered fat. Remove from heat.

  1. Create the Creamy Sauce

    Slowly mix in the egg-cheese mixture, stirring quickly so the residual heat thickens the sauce without scrambling the eggs. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

  1. Serve Immediately

    Plate the pasta and top with extra cheese and black pepper.

Note

TEST NOTE!

Keywords: Carbonara, pasta, Italian
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Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use bacon instead of pancetta or guanciale?

Yes! While traditional Carbonara uses guanciale (cured pork cheek), bacon or pancetta are good substitutes. However, guanciale provides the most authentic flavor due to its higher fat content.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling in the sauce?

To avoid scrambling, remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg-cheese mixture. Stir quickly and continuously, allowing the residual heat to create a creamy sauce. Adding reserved pasta water can help achieve the right consistency.

Can I make Carbonara without cheese?

Cheese is an essential part of traditional Carbonara, providing both flavor and texture. However, if you need a dairy-free version, you can experiment with nutritional yeast for a similar umami taste.

How can I store and reheat leftover Carbonara?

Carbonara is best eaten fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce—avoid using the microwave, as it may cause the eggs to scramble.

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