Name: Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 4 oz pancetta or guanciale, diced; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese; 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper; Salt to taste

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If you’re longing for comfort food that’s both luxurious and blissfully simple, look no further than this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe. With just a handful of ingredients—spaghetti, eggs, pork, and cheese—this dish weaves together creamy textures and bold, savory flavors in a way that feels a little bit magical. Each bite is a nostalgic trip to the heart of Italy, and the best part? You can have it on the table in under half an hour.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by the short ingredient list—every single item in this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe has a vital role to play. Opting for quality here will reward you with a glossy, vibrant sauce and irresistible flavor that shines in its simplicity.

Spaghetti: The classic pasta choice; its texture holds the sauce perfectly so every strand is silky and coated.
Pancetta or Guanciale, diced: These cured pork cuts bring salty depth and crispy bites; guanciale has a more robust, authentic flavor profile.
Large eggs: The secret to that creamy, luscious sauce—no cream needed!
Large egg yolks: These extra yolks amp up the velvet-like richness of the finished dish.
Freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese: Sharp and tangy, this cheese is responsible for the signature powerful flavor and creamy bite.
Freshly ground black pepper: A generous grind of pepper adds a little kick and balances the richness beautifully.
Salt to taste: A pinch is essential to enhance all the other flavors without overpowering the dish.

How to Make Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook it until it’s just al dente, following the package instructions—this ensures your pasta is perfectly toothsome and ready to soak up all that silky sauce.

Step 2: Crisp the Pancetta or Guanciale

Meanwhile, set a large skillet over medium heat and toss in your diced pancetta or guanciale. Sauté until the pieces are golden brown and irresistibly crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, take the pan off the heat but leave the pork (and those flavorful drippings!) ready for the next step.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. Whisk briskly until everything is smooth and well-blended. This luscious mixture is what will transform your pasta into the most comforting, creamy carbonara.

Step 4: Combine It All

Before draining the pasta, scoop out about one cup of the hot cooking water and set it aside. Drain the spaghetti and immediately return it—hot!—to the pot or skillet with your crispy pancetta. Take care to turn off the heat at this point; you don’t want scrambled eggs. Pour in the egg and cheese mixture right away, stirring vigorously. The residual heat cooks the eggs gently, creating a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen the sauce until every strand of spaghetti is perfectly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe immediately, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent, shower the top with a little more Pecorino Romano and a hearty grind of black pepper. Dive in while it’s hot and silky for true pasta perfection!

How to Serve Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Garnishes

Nothing sets off the glossy golden sauce and crispy pork quite like a flourish of freshly grated Pecorino Romano and a pinch of cracked black pepper. For a little extra color, you could scatter on some chopped fresh parsley, but the beauty of this dish is truly in its simplicity.

Side Dishes

This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe shines brightest when supported by simple sides. Try a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette, or serve with roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. If you want a little extra crunch, some crusty Italian bread is a perfect partner for mopping up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a bit of fun, try twirling portions of pasta into little nests with tongs for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also serve the carbonara in shallow pasta bowls, topped with extra cheese at the table for a dramatic, mouthwatering flourish. If you’re cooking for a dinner party, finish with a sprinkle of microgreens or edible flowers for visual wow-factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), transfer your spaghetti carbonara to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 2 days, though it’s always best enjoyed fresh for maximum creaminess.

Freezing

While technically possible, freezing is not recommended for a Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe. The creamy sauce can separate and become grainy after thawing, which means you lose that signature silky texture that makes carbonara special.

Reheating

To reheat, place your leftover carbonara in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or milk and stir gently until warmed through. Avoid using high heat, which could scramble the eggs and dry things out. Stir constantly to restore as much creaminess as possible.

FAQs

Can I use bacon instead of pancetta or guanciale?

Absolutely! While guanciale is the traditional (and tastiest) choice for Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe, good-quality bacon will still deliver a delicious, smoky flavor and a satisfying crunch.

Should I add cream to the sauce?

No need for cream here! The magic of this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe is that the eggs and cheese alone create that dreamy, creamy texture. Skip the cream for an authentic Roman result.

What’s the trick to keeping the sauce smooth, not scrambled?

The key is to mix your egg and cheese sauce off the heat, letting the residual warmth of the pasta gently thicken it. Stir quickly and don’t let the pan get too hot, and you’ll have a perfectly glossy sauce every time.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Of course! Simply swap in a high-quality gluten-free spaghetti, and you can savor all the classic flavors and textures of this Italian favorite, without the gluten.

How do I know when the pasta is al dente?

Test a strand about a minute before the package directions end. You want it tender but firm to the bite, which means it’ll absorb just the right amount of sauce in your finished Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe! With its crave-worthy combination of velvety sauce, bold flavors, and quick prep, it’s a dish that’s sure to become your new weeknight hero or dinner-party star. Buon appetito, and happy cooking!

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the classic Italian comfort dish with this delicious recipe for Spaghetti Carbonara. With a creamy sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and pancetta, this dish is rich in flavor and simple to make.