The Creamiest Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Crafting an authentic spaghetti carbonara brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Italian cuisine celebrates simplicity with stunning precision.

Restaurants worldwide attempt to replicate this classic dish, but nothing compares to homemade perfection.

Roman chefs would nod with approval at our traditional approach.

Black pepper and pecorino romano create intense flavor profiles that dance across your palate.

Each ingredient tells a story of generations passing down secret techniques.

Join me in mastering this delectable pasta that promises to transport you straight to the streets of rome.

Spaghetti Carbonara Creates Memorable Meals

• Savor Quick Comfort: Enjoy a rich, creamy Italian classic that comes together faster than ordering takeout, perfect for satisfying sudden hunger cravings.
• Master Authentic Flavors: Learn a traditional Roman recipe that captures the essence of Italian cuisine with just a few high-quality ingredients and simple technique.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping pancetta for bacon or adding extra cheese, making it versatile for different taste preferences and pantry contents.

Shopping List For Spaghetti Carbonara

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation for this creamy carbonara dish.

• Pancetta: A rich, salty Italian cured meat that adds depth and crispy texture to the recipe.
• Eggs, Egg Yolk: These ingredients create the signature silky and creamy sauce that coats the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that provides a sharp and nutty flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Salt: Helps to season the pasta water and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, spicy kick that is traditional in carbonara and complements the creamy sauce.

Cooking Steps For Spaghetti Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Drop spaghetti into salted boiling water.

Cook until noodles reach that perfect al dente texture with a slight bite.

Before draining, carefully scoop out one cup of starchy pasta water and set aside.

Step 2: Crisp Up Pancetta

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Toss in diced pancetta and cook until edges turn golden and crispy.

The meat will release delicious fat that becomes the flavor base of your sauce.

Transfer pancetta to a separate plate, leaving those tasty drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Create Silky Egg Mixture

• Whole eggs
• Extra egg yolk
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform, with no lumpy bits.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Return skillet to low heat.

Drop cooked spaghetti into the pan with pancetta.

Quickly pour egg mixture over pasta, constantly tossing to prevent eggs from scrambling.

Add reserved pasta water gradually to create a luxuriously creamy sauce that clings to every strand.

Step 5: Final Flavor Flourish

• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Additional Parmesan cheese

Toss once more to distribute seasonings.

Serve immediately while piping hot and gloriously creamy.

Pro Kitchen Tips For Carbonara Success

• Toss pasta with egg mixture off direct heat to maintain a silky, creamy texture without creating scrambled egg clumps.
• Retain starchy pasta water to help emulsify and smooth out the carbonara sauce, creating perfect consistency.
• Use authentic Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and fresh eggs for the most authentic flavor profile.
• Work quickly when combining hot pasta with egg mixture to gently cook eggs without curdling, ensuring a luxurious sauce.
• Plate carbonara immediately after mixing to enjoy the optimal temperature and creamy texture of the dish.

Spaghetti Carbonara – Mix-In Ideas

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a meat-free protein option that mimics the original smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional spaghetti with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Lighter Carbonara: Use turkey bacon instead of pancetta and incorporate Greek yogurt with eggs to reduce overall fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute spaghetti with spiralized butternut squash or cauliflower noodles for a nutrient-dense, lower-carbohydrate meal that keeps the classic carbonara essence.

Carbonara Dishes Served Creatively

• Rustic Italian Dinner Companion: Pair this creamy carbonara with a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a dry Vermentino to complement the rich, silky sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
• Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra crispy pancetta bits, fresh chopped parsley, or a light dusting of additional Parmesan cheese on top for added texture and visual appeal.
• Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus to balance the pasta's richness and add a nutritious element to your meal.

Storing Spaghetti Carbonara Properly

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and warm in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of pasta water or cream to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Skip freezing carbonara, as eggs and cheese separate and become grainy, compromising the dish's smooth, silky consistency.

FAQs

• What is the key to preventing the eggs from scrambling?

The secret is to remove the skillet from heat and quickly toss the hot pasta with the egg mixture, using reserved pasta water to create a smooth, creamy sauce without cooking the eggs too much.

• Why use both whole eggs and an extra egg yolk?

The extra egg yolk adds richness and helps create a more luxurious, silky texture to the carbonara sauce, making it extra creamy and indulgent.

• Can I substitute pancetta with another ingredient?

Bacon works as a great alternative to pancetta, providing a similar salty and crispy element to the traditional carbonara recipe. Just make sure to drain excess fat before adding the pasta.

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Italian classic spaghetti carbonara brings Roman culinary magic to your kitchen with silky eggs, crisp pancetta, and sharp pecorino cheese. Passionate cooks will love this simple yet luxurious pasta that delivers authentic flavors in under 30 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) spaghetti

Meat:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) pancetta or guanciale, diced

Eggs and Cheese:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, about 8-9 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and render pancetta until golden and crisp, developing rich, savory flavors. Transfer crispy bits to a separate plate.
3. Whisk eggs, additional egg yolk, and finely grated Parmesan in a mixing bowl until the mixture transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Return skillet to medium-low heat and introduce cooked spaghetti. Swiftly incorporate egg mixture, continuously tossing pasta to prevent egg from scrambling. Introduce reserved pasta water gradually to create a luxuriously smooth, glossy sauce.
5. Generously dust the carbonara with freshly cracked black pepper and additional Parmesan cheese. Plate immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy texture.

Notes

• Prevent egg scrambling by removing the skillet from heat and quickly tossing pasta with egg mixture to create a silky, smooth sauce.
• Use room temperature eggs to help them blend more evenly and reduce the risk of curdling when mixed with hot pasta.
• For a lighter version, swap pancetta with turkey bacon or mushrooms to reduce fat and create a vegetarian-friendly option.
• Reserve pasta water is crucial for achieving the perfect creamy consistency, so don’t drain it all away before mixing the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 515 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg