Classic Spaghetti Carbonara: The Ultimate Comfort Food

This Classic Spaghetti Carbonara captures the essence of Italian comfort food with its rich, creamy sauce made from simple ingredients. Featuring crispy guanciale or pancetta, perfectly cooked spaghetti, and a luscious blend of eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese, this dish transforms everyday ingredients into an indulgent meal.

Quick to prepare and bursting with flavour, Carbonara is perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal cooking time, you’ll savor the authentic taste of Rome right in your own kitchen!

Classic Carbonara Recipe

Carbonara is the epitome of Italian comfort food—rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. This dish hails from Rome and is beloved for its simplicity. Made with just a handful of ingredients—spaghetti, guanciale or pancetta, pecorino cheese, eggs, and black pepper—it creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without using any cream. The key is the perfect timing and technique, which transforms humble ingredients into a rich, savory meal in just minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Ingredients

• 400 g Spaghetti
• 150 g Guanciale or Pancetta (cubed)
• 1 cup Grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 Whole egg
• 3 egg yolks
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

• Prepare the Pasta

  Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
• Cook the Guanciale or Pancetta

  While the pasta cooks, add the cubed guanciale or pancetta to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the fat renders and the meat becomes golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, but leave the rendered fat in the pan.
• Prepare the Egg Mixture

  In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole egg, egg yolks, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Add plenty of freshly ground black pepper for that signature carbonara bite. Set this mixture aside.
• Combine Pasta and Guanciale

  Once the pasta is done, transfer it directly into the pan with the guanciale and rendered fat. Toss everything to combine and coat the pasta with the flavorful fat.
• Create the Creamy Carbonara Sauce

  With the heat off, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and guanciale. Stir immediately and vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help create a silky, creamy sauce. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and evenly coats the pasta. Adjust with more pasta water if needed for the desired consistency.
• Serve

  Plate the carbonara immediately and finish with extra Pecorino Romano and freshly cracked black pepper on top. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory perfection!
• Tips for the Perfect Carbonara:

  Use the Right Meat: Guanciale is the traditional choice, but pancetta works just as well if you can’t find it.

  Temperature Control: Make sure the pan is off the heat when adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling the eggs.

  Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water, as it’s key to achieving a smooth, creamy sauce.

  Enjoy this authentic carbonara recipe, full of rich flavors and simple elegance! It’s a true Italian classic that’s easy to master and sure to become a family favorite.

Course: Dinner, pasta

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: Authentic Italian Carbonara, Authentic Italian cuisine, Classic Carbonara, Comfort Food Pasta, Creamy Pasta Dish, Easy Carbonara Recipe, Egg-based Pasta Sauce, Guanciale or Pancetta, Homemade Carbonara, No Cream Carbonara, Pecorino Romano Cheese, Quick Dinner Recipe, Rich and Savory Pasta, Roman Pasta Recipe, Spaghetti Carbonara