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
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