Our full recipe guide on how to make Spaghetti Carbonara one of the most popular dishes in Italy.
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Roman dish known for its creamy, comforting texture and simple ingredients.
The key to an authentic Carbonara is using fresh, quality ingredients and avoiding cream, which is not used in the traditional Italian recipe.
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How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe Ingredients
400g (about 14 oz) spaghetti
150g (about 5.3 oz) guanciale (cured pork cheek or jowl; pancetta can be used as a substitute)
3 large eggs
1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (you can also use a mix of Pecorino and Parmesan)
Freshly ground black pepper
Salt (for the pasta water)
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Step By Step How to Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Step 1 – Prepare Ingredients
Slice the guanciale into small pieces or strips. The fat will render out during cooking, adding flavor to the dish.
In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Pecorino Romano cheese along with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente, usually about 1 minute less than the package instructions suggest.
Step 3 – Cook Guanciale
While the pasta is cooking, place the guanciale in a cold skillet. Turn the heat to medium and cook until the fat renders out and the guanciale becomes crispy and golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Step 4 – Combine Ingredients
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Add the hot, drained spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale. Toss well to coat the pasta in the rendered fat.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring vigorously. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Serve the Carbonara immediately after mixing, with extra Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper on top.
Tips To Make Spaghetti Carbonara
Traditional Carbonara does not include cream. The creaminess of the sauce is achieved by the eggs and cheese. It’s crucial to mix the pasta and egg mixture off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Using the starchy pasta water helps to create a smooth and silky sauce.
How Many Calories Has A Spaghetti Carbonara
A standard serving of cooked spaghetti is around 220 calories. Each large egg used in the sauce contributes about 70 calories, Pancetta can add around 250 calories, Parmesan Cheese is aorund 45 calories.
A typical serving of Spaghetti Carbonara might range from 650 to 750 calories.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.