Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Name: Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: Spaghetti; Pancetta or Guanciale; Eggs; Parmesan Cheese; Black Pepper; Salt

Published: March 5, 2025

by Mia Hanry

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This easy spaghetti carbonara comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Its rich flavors will impress everyone at the table.
The combination of creamy sauce and crispy pancetta creates an irresistible taste sensation.
This versatile dish can be customized with various ingredients based on your preferences.

I once made this dish for my family’s game night; let’s just say I had to guard my plate from my brother like it was the last slice of pizza.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Spaghetti: Use high-quality dried spaghetti for the best texture; cook until al dente for that perfect bite.
Pancetta or Guanciale: Choose either option for a salty kick; guanciale is more traditional but pancetta works beautifully too.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are key; they add richness and help create that creamy sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh parmesan to enhance flavor; aged cheese provides deeper taste.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds spice; don’t skimp on it for that authentic flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water; it elevates all the flavors when cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté Pancetta or Guanciale: In a large skillet over medium heat, add diced pancetta or guanciale. Cook until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. The aroma should be mouthwatering.

Create the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated parmesan until smooth. Add freshly cracked black pepper to taste—trust me; this step is crucial for flavor.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once drained, add hot spaghetti directly into the skillet with pancetta while it’s still warm (off heat). Pour egg mixture over pasta immediately while tossing quickly to combine.

Add Pasta Water as Needed: If the sauce seems too thick or isn’t coating the pasta properly, add reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired creaminess.

Serve Immediately!: Plate your delicious creation right away! Garnish with extra parmesan and black pepper if desired. Your guests won’t know what hit them!

This delightful spaghetti carbonara will undoubtedly win hearts around your dinner table—and maybe even some dance moves in celebration! Enjoy every creamy bite!

You Must Know

Spaghetti carbonara is all about simplicity and quality ingredients; it’s a dish that shines with love.
The creamy sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a comforting meal that warms the soul.
Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling salted water for your pasta while you prepare the sauce. Cook spaghetti until al dente, then mix in sautéed guanciale and whisked eggs for a creamy finish.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your carbonara! Swap guanciale for pancetta or even crispy mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Add peas or spinach for a pop of color.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat, adding a splash of water to revive creaminess.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Use freshly grated cheese for better flavor; it melts beautifully into the sauce.
Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its perfect texture.
Always combine hot pasta with the sauce quickly to create that luscious coating.

Nothing beats hearing my friends rave about my spaghetti carbonara after I finally nailed it last summer! That warm praise made all the kitchen experiments worth it.

FAQs

FAQ

What is spaghetti carbonara made of?

Spaghetti carbonara uses pasta, eggs, cheese, guanciale, and black pepper as core ingredients.

Can I use bacon instead of guanciale?

Yes, bacon works as a substitute but changes the flavor profile slightly.

How do I make carbonara creamy without cream?

The creaminess comes from mixing hot pasta with eggs and cheese; no cream needed!

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📖 Recipe Card