The Perfect Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe for Pasta Night

Whipping up a mouthwatering classic spaghetti carbonara brings pure culinary magic right to your kitchen.

Creamy eggs and crispy pancetta dance together in this Roman favorite.

Authentic italian cooking demands simplicity and precision with just a few stellar ingredients.

Passionate home cooks adore this dish for its rich, silky texture and intense flavor profile.

Professional chefs know each ingredient plays a critical role in creating perfection.

Black pepper adds a sharp kick that complements the velvety sauce beautifully.

Mastering this recipe means connecting with generations of italian culinary tradition.

One bite promises to transport you straight to the charming streets of rome.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Essentials

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta perfect for this creamy dish.

• Eggs, Egg Yolk: Creamy base for silky sauce.
• Pancetta: Traditional Italian cured meat for rich flavor.

• Pecorino Romano Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese for depth.
• Black Pepper: Spicy and bold seasoning.
• Salt: Basic seasoning for pasta water.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish.

Spaghetti Carbonara How to Cook the Classic Dish

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Drop in the spaghetti and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically around 8 minutes. Before draining, scoop out a cup of the starchy cooking water and set aside.

Step 2: Whip Up the Silky Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and crack in the eggs and extra egg yolk. Sprinkle in half of the grated cheese and give it a vigorous whisk. Shower the mixture with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, creating a rich, flavorful base.

Step 3: Crisp Up the Pancetta

Heat a skillet over medium flame and toss in the pancetta. Let it sizzle and dance until it turns golden and crispy, releasing its irresistible aroma. Once perfectly crisped, remove the skillet from the heat.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

Transfer the steaming hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with the pancetta. Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and quickly toss everything together. Stir rapidly to coat each strand with the silky sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to achieve that dreamy, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Plate the carbonara immediately, showering it with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. Dive in while it’s hot and enjoy the luxurious, velvety goodness of this classic Italian dish.

Smart Notes for Classic Carbonara Sauce

• Pasta Water Magic: Save a cup of starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.
• Egg Tempering Trick: Whisk eggs rapidly while adding hot pasta to prevent scrambling and ensure a creamy, luxurious texture.
• Crisp Pancetta Perfection: Cook pancetta until golden and crispy for maximum flavor and satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Instant Serving Wisdom: Plate and serve immediately to maintain the optimal creamy consistency and prevent the sauce from cooling and becoming clumpy.
• Cheese Balance Technique: Grate fresh Pecorino Romano or Parmesan and add in stages for a rich, well-distributed cheesy flavor throughout the carbonara.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Store and Reheat Guide

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping the pasta separate from any garnishes.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Warm carbonara in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to restore creaminess. Stir gently to prevent eggs from scrambling and maintain the sauce's silky texture.
• Do not freeze carbonara, as the egg-based sauce will separate and become grainy, destroying the dish's delicate texture and flavor profile.

Spaghetti Carbonara Side Suggestions

• Elevate Creamy Carbonara Flavor Pairings
• Pair Wine with Smooth Complexity: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Vermentino that cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the salty pancetta's intensity.
• Refresh with Bright Salad Side: Serve a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that balances the carbonara's heaviness and adds fresh, light notes.
• Match with Rustic Italian Bread: Select a crusty ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the creamy sauce, adding textural variety and allowing diners to enjoy every delicious remnant of the dish.
• Complement with Chilled Aperol Spritz: Offer a classic Italian cocktail that brings citrusy brightness and effervescence, cutting through the pasta's richness and cleansing the palate between bites.

Ingredient Tweaks for Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu cubes for a meat-free protein option that maintains the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap traditional spaghetti with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, creamy sauce intact.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew-based parmesan, and use plant-based egg replacer to create a fully dairy-free carbonara experience.

FAQs

• What is the secret to a creamy carbonara sauce without scrambling the eggs?

The key is to add hot pasta to the egg mixture off the heat and stir quickly. This allows the residual heat to gently cook the eggs, creating a smooth, silky sauce without turning them into scrambled eggs.

• Can I substitute pancetta with another type of meat?

Absolutely! Guanciale is traditional, but bacon works great too. Just make sure to use a cured, fatty pork product that will render delicious flavor and create the signature richness of carbonara.

• Why is it important to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce and creates a perfect creamy consistency. It’s like liquid gold for creating a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the spaghetti.

• How do I know when the pancetta is cooked correctly?

Cook pancetta until it’s crispy and golden brown, with edges slightly curled. It should look and sound crisp when you stir it in the pan, releasing its rich, salty flavor into the dish.

Spaghetti Carbonara That’s Creamy, Fast, and Rich

• Whip Up Effortless Elegance: Classic carbonara transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Savor Quick Comfort: This dish delivers rich, creamy satisfaction in just a few minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something indulgent.
• Celebrate Versatile Dining: Whether hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a solo meal, carbonara adapts beautifully to different occasions and serves as a crowd-pleasing comfort food.
• Master Authentic Italian Cuisine: Learn a traditional recipe that connects you directly to Italian culinary heritage, using authentic techniques and genuine ingredients.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy, classic spaghetti carbonara transports home cooks straight to Roman kitchens with its silky sauce and rich pancetta. Pasta perfection comes alive through simple ingredients and traditional techniques that connect you directly to Italian culinary heritage.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 400 grams (14 ounces) spaghetti
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) pancetta or guanciale, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 large egg yolk

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge spaghetti and allow to simmer until perfectly tender, typically around 8 minutes. Carefully extract 1 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Craft a luxurious sauce by vigorously whisking eggs, an additional egg yolk, and a generous portion of grated cheese in a mixing bowl. Liberally dust the mixture with freshly cracked black pepper, creating a rich, aromatic base.
3. Transform pancetta in a skillet over medium flame, rendering its fat and crisping the edges to a golden-brown perfection. Once achieving a delectable crunch, remove the skillet from heat.
4. Transfer the piping hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with crispy pancetta. Swiftly introduce the egg mixture, continuously tossing and stirring to create a silky, glossy coating that embraces each strand of pasta.
5. Should the sauce appear too dense, gradually incorporate reserved pasta water, whisking until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency that clings lovingly to the noodles.
6. Plate the carbonara immediately, crowning the dish with a final flourish of grated cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs to prevent scrambling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
• Grate Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano freshly for the most authentic and rich flavor profile.
• Work quickly when combining hot pasta with egg mixture to create a creamy sauce without turning the eggs into scrambled eggs.
• For a lighter version, replace pancetta with turkey bacon or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian option that still delivers incredible taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 200mg