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Spaghetti Carbonara ingredients

Spaghetti Carbonara

This authentic spaghetti carbonara recipe is one of the most famous Italian pasta dishes from Rome. Made with pancetta (or guanciale), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper, this creamy pasta is rich and full of Italian flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 1590
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 200 g spaghetti
  • 100 g pancetta (or guanciale, if available)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 50 g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt, for pasta water

Equipment

  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Frying pan (for guanciale)
  • Mixing bowl (for eggs & cheese)
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
    Spaghetti Carbonara ingredients
  2. In the meantime, fry the pancetta (or guanciale) in a pan until golden and crispy.
    Authentic Carbonara with pancetta
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs together with grated Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper.
    Step 1 Carbonara pasta
  4. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.
  5. Combine the hot spaghetti with the pancetta, then remove the pan from the heat.
  6. Quickly stir in the egg mixture, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed for a creamy texture.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with extra Pecorino and black pepper.
    spaghetti carbonara recipe

Notes

Do not use cream in traditional carbonara.
Best enjoyed fresh – reheating changes the texture.