Indulge in the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with our delicious Spaghetti Carbonara recipe. This timeless dish is a pasta lover's dream, combining simple ingredients to create a creamy, flavorful masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Italian comfort food.

Overhead image of Spaghetti Carbonara on a black plate

Why You'll Love This Perfect Pasta Dish

Rich and Creamy. Spaghetti Carbonara is known for its creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. Every bite is a luxurious experience.
Quick and Easy. This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the fuss.
Minimal Ingredients. You only need a handful of ingredients to create this Italian classic, and chances are you already have most of them in your kitchen.

What Does Spaghetti Carbonara Taste Like?

Spaghetti Carbonara is a delightful combination of creamy, salty, and savory flavors with a hint of pepper, creating a comforting and indulgent pasta experience. The balance of these flavors is what makes it a beloved classic in Italian cuisine.

What Is The Golden Rule Of Cooking A Carbonara?

The key here is to never cook the egg and cheese mixture over direct heat, as high heat can cause the eggs to scramble, resulting in a clumpy, unpleasant texture.

The residual heat from the cooked pasta and pancetta is what gently cooks the eggs and creates the creamy sauce that Carbonara is known for.

What Is Spaghetti Carbonara Made Of?

Spaghetti- Use high-quality spaghetti as the base for this dish. Cook it al dente, so it's firm to the bite.
Pancetta- Guanciale is the traditional choice, but Pancetta works well as a substitute and can be easier to find. Both add that rich, salty flavor.
Eggs- You'll need whole eggs to create the creamy sauce.
Pecorino Romano Cheese- Grate this sharp, salty cheese for an authentic flavor.
Black Pepper- Freshly ground black pepper is a must to season the dish and add a slight kick.
Salt- Season the pasta water with salt to flavor the spaghetti.
Fresh Parsley- Garnish your Spaghetti Carbonara with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How To Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Cook the Pancetta. In a skillet, cook the pancetta until it's crispy and golden. Remove it from the heat.
Combine Eggs and Cheese. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese.
Toss the Pasta. Toss the hot, drained pasta with the cooked guanciale or pancetta. Make sure the pasta is well coated.
Add the Egg Mixture. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and toss quickly to combine. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
Season and Serve. Season the Spaghetti Carbonara with freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino Romano cheese on top.

Close up image of Spaghetti Carbonara on a fork

Tips And Tricks

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, and pancetta. Here are some tips and tricks to help you make the perfect pasta:

Room Temperature Eggs. Allow your eggs to come to room temperature before using them. This helps create a creamy and velvety sauce.
Grate the Cheese Fresh. Grate the cheese just before using it to maintain its freshness and prevent it from becoming dry or clumpy.
Save Pasta Water. Before draining the cooked pasta, reserve about a cup of pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
Mix Eggs and Cheese Gradually. When combining the eggs and cheese, add them gradually to the hot pasta. This prevents the eggs from scrambling due to the high temperature.

Variations

While traditional Spaghetti Carbonara is made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper, there are several variations and ingredient substitutions you can explore to customize this classic Italian dish to your taste. Here are some popular variations

Vegetarian Carbonara- If you're vegetarian, you can omit the pancetta or guanciale altogether and create a vegetarian version. Instead, you can use sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even vegan bacon as a substitute.
Seafood Carbonara- For a seafood twist, you can add cooked shrimp, scallops, or crabmeat to the traditional Carbonara recipe. Just toss them in at the last minute to heat through.
Chicken Carbonara- To make a heartier Carbonara, you can add diced cooked chicken breast or thigh meat. This turns the dish into a chicken and pasta delight.
Spinach and Peas- For a touch of green, consider adding fresh baby spinach or peas to your Carbonara. You can sauté the spinach briefly or stir in cooked peas when combining the pasta and sauce.

What To Serve With Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a rich and flavorful pasta dish, and it's often served on its own as the main course. However, if you'd like to complement it with some side dishes or accompaniments, here are some options:

Salad- A light, fresh salad with crisp greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Carbonara.
Garlic Bread- A side of garlic bread or a baguette with garlic butter can be a delicious way to soak up the creamy sauce and add some extra flavor to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts can add a healthy and flavorful element to your plate.

How Long Does It Last?

Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh and immediately after cooking. Due to the nature of the creamy egg-based sauce, it doesn't store well.

Leftovers can become dry and less creamy when reheated. It's recommended to consume it right after preparation for the best taste and texture.

Can You Freeze It?

Spaghetti Carbonara is traditionally not recommended for freezing because the creamy sauce made with eggs and cheese can change in texture when frozen and then thawed. F

reezing may cause the sauce to become grainy or separate when reheated, resulting in a less-than-desirable dish.

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