Spaghetti Carbonara
+6 photos

Spaghetti Carbonara

4 servings
Learn how to make a spaghetti carbonara with this easy, fast recipe for spaghetti carbonara with step-by-step photos to help you make this famously creamy iconic Italian pasta.

Ingredients

  • water
    4 quarts
  • black pepper

    plus more for garnish

    1 tsp
  • guanciale

    cut into 1/4-inch pieces, about 3/4 cup

    4 oz
  • egg yolks
    5 large
  • eggs
    2 large
  • pecorino romano cheese

    grated on the medium holes of a box grater, plus additional grated pecorino romano for garnish

    3 oz
  • parmigiano-reggiano cheese

    grated on the medium holes of a box grater

    2 oz
  • kosher salt
    3 tbsp
  • package spaghetti

    preferably bronze-cut

    1

Directions

  1. 1

    Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in a large pot over high. Meanwhile, place pepper in a large heatproof bowl; set aside. Cook guanciale in a medium skillet over low, stirring often, until lightly browned, fat is mostly rendered, and guanciale feels crisp with a bouncy texture when squeezed, about 10 minutes.

    Step 1
  2. 2

    Pour 3 tablespoons hot guanciale drippings over pepper in bowl; set guanciale aside.

    Step 2
  3. 3

    Add egg yolks, eggs, and cheeses to pepper mixture; whisk until thoroughly blended, and set aside.

    Step 3
  4. 4

    Add salt to water in pot; return to a boil over high. Add pasta; cook according to package directions for al dente, stirring occasionally. About 1 minute before pasta is finished cooking, scoop out 1/4 cup cooking liquid, and slowly pour into egg mixture, whisking constantly, until well combined and sauce is loosened.

    Step 4
  5. 5

    Transfer about one-third of pasta to egg mixture using tongs, allowing excess liquid to drip off in pot; quickly and gently toss to combine. Transfer remaining pasta, allowing excess liquid to drip off in pot, to egg mixture.

    Step 5
  6. 6

    Continue stirring and tossing the pasta with tongs until cheese is melted and sauce thickens slightly and coats pasta, about 1 minute. (The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.)

    Step 6
  7. 7

    Divide pasta evenly among 4 shallow serving bowls, and top with reserved crisped guanciale. Garnish with pepper and grated Pecorino Romano. Serve immediately.

    Step 7
Spaghetti Carbonara
+6

Spaghetti Carbonara

30 min4 servings2452 cal

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About this Recipe

Dreaming of that famously creamy, intensely satisfying Spaghetti Carbonara but think it's too complicated for a weeknight? This easy and fast recipe brings the iconic Italian pasta to your table in just 30 minutes, delivering authentic flavors without the fuss. The magic of this Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its deceptively simple, yet perfectly balanced ingredients. Instead of relying on cream, it achieves its velvety texture through a brilliant emulsion of rich egg yolks and whole eggs, combined with grated Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheeses. The rendered fat from crispy, savory guanciale and a splash of starchy pasta water unite to create a sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. Prepare for an experience that transports you straight to Rome. Each forkful offers a delightful contrast: tender, al dente spaghetti coated in a luxurious, silky sauce that’s rich with umami depth from the aged cheeses. You’ll find pockets of crispy, salty guanciale throughout, providing a satisfying chew and bursts of flavor, all brightened by a generous kick of freshly ground black pepper. This recipe, designed for speed and ease, delivers gourmet results that are surprisingly achievable, perfect for a special dinner or a quick, indulgent meal. While guanciale is traditional and highly recommended for its unique flavor, if you can’t find it, high-quality pancetta is a suitable substitute. For an even richer sauce, you can adjust the ratio to include an extra egg yolk. Don't be shy with the black pepper; freshly cracked pepper is key to carbonara's authentic taste, so feel free to add more to your liking. For a slightly different cheese profile, you could adjust the proportions of Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano to suit your preference. This Spaghetti Carbonara is a showstopper, ideal for a cozy dinner for four, a romantic date night, or a satisfying family meal. Serve it immediately, piping hot, perhaps alongside a simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette and a glass of crisp white wine.

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