Introduction
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, smoky, and savory flavors. This Italian pasta dish is made with simple ingredients but delivers a taste that feels like a five-star meal. With crispy pancetta, egg yolks, Parmesan, and black pepper, this easy-to-make carbonara is the perfect dinner for a cozy evening. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for any pasta lover!
Ingredients
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 150g (5 oz) pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the pancetta: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic, add it during the last minute of cooking for extra flavor.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Combine: Once the pasta is drained, add it directly to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss the pasta in the rendered fat until well coated. Remove from heat, and while the pasta is still hot, pour the egg mixture over it, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to adjust the consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Time Required
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Tools Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or pasta server
- Cheese grater
Extract of Ingredients and Tags Topics
Ingredients Extract: Spaghetti, pancetta, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano, black pepper, garlic, olive oil.
Pinterest Tags: #SpaghettiCarbonara #ItalianRecipes #PastaLovers #CarbonaraRecipe #ClassicCarbonara #ComfortFood #QuickDinner #CreamyPasta #PastaRecipes #HomemadeCarbonara
- Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake
Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake Strawberry Cheesecake Pound Cake is the kind of dessert that instantly feels special. It is rich, dense, buttery, and indulgent, yet balanced by the freshness of strawberries and the creamy tang of cheesecake. This cake brings together the classic comfort of a traditional pound cake with the elegance of a cheesecake … Read more - Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake
Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake – A Sweet Classic with a Fruity Twist There’s something undeniably comforting about a homemade pound cake, and Vanilla Strawberry Pound Cake takes that classic dessert to a whole new level. Rich, buttery, and perfectly dense, this cake is infused with real strawberry purée and balanced with … Read more - Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip
Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip There’s something irresistible about warm, creamy cheese dip served at your favorite Mexican restaurant. That first scoop with a tortilla chip—smooth, rich, slightly spicy—is pure comfort food bliss. This Mexican Restaurant-Style Cheese Dip brings that exact experience straight into your own kitchen, using simple ingredients and an easy method that anyone … Read more - Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole
Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole – A Comfort Food Classic When it comes to hearty, family-friendly meals, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Casserole stands out as a true comfort food favorite. This dish brings together simple, affordable ingredients and transforms them into something warm, filling, and deeply satisfying. … Read more - Chile Verde Sopita
Chile Verde Sopita Chile Verde Sopita Warm, comforting, and full of bold yet cozy flavors, Chile Verde Sopita is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl. This soup is inspired by classic Mexican-style sopita but made easier, heartier, and perfect for everyday home cooking. With ground beef, tender macaroni, green … Read more - Classic Southern Banana Pudding
Classic Southern Banana Pudding If there’s one dessert that instantly brings comfort and nostalgia, it’s Classic Southern Banana Pudding. With layers of creamy custard, ripe bananas, and crisp vanilla wafers, this dessert is the epitome of Southern charm. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, holiday dinner, or a casual weeknight treat, this banana … Read more - Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole: A Comforting Tex-Mex Bake When it comes to cozy, flavorful, and fuss-free meals, nothing quite hits the spot like a Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole. Imagine layers of tender shredded chicken, creamy green chile sauce, soft corn tortillas, and melted cheese all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish captures the … Read more - Jalapeño Butter Bath Corn On The Cob
Jalapeño Butter Bath Corn On The Cob — Full Recipe Article Introduction There are few summer sides as universally loved as corn on the cob, but Jalapeño Butter Bath Corn On The Cob takes the classic to a whole new level. This recipe transforms simple sweet corn into a rich, silky, flavor-soaked masterpiece that fits … Read more - Walking Taco Casserole
Walking Taco Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe If you’re looking for a dish that combines the fun of tacos with the hearty satisfaction of a casserole, Walking Taco Casserole is the perfect choice. This recipe takes the beloved flavors of taco night—seasoned beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings—and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-serve … Read more