Spaghetti alla Carbonara
(Classic Spaghetti Carbonara)

dinner lunch italian pasta main course quick comfort food cheese
Italian Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Servings:

A traditional Italian pasta dish with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.

Ingredients

  • 400 g spaghetti
  • 200 g pancetta or guanciale (cubed)
  • 4 whole large eggs
  • 100 g Pecorino Romano cheese (grated)
  • 100 g Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese (grated)
  • 1 pinch black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 pinch salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
  2. While spaghetti cooks, heat a large pan over medium heat and cook pancetta or guanciale until crispy.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together large eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, and plenty of black pepper.
  4. When spaghetti is done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain spaghetti.
  5. Working quickly, add hot spaghetti to the pan with pancetta or guanciale, remove from heat.
  6. Add egg mixture, stirring constantly to create a creamy sauce.
  7. Add pasta water as needed to achieve desired consistency.
  8. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper.