Spaghetti Carbonara
Few dishes capture the heart of Italian cooking quite like Spaghetti Carbonara. Rich, creamy, and loaded with savory flavor, this Roman classic requires just a handful of pantry staples to create a satisfying and elegant meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick carbonara recipe, a real spaghetti carbonara with authentic ingredients, or a modern twist like a keto spaghetti carbonara, you’ve come to the right place.
This guide covers the essentials, tips, and variations so you can master the perfect pasta carbonara recipe—every time.
What Is Spaghetti Carbonara?
Pasta a la carbonara, or more specifically Spaghetti Carbonara, is a traditional Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, cured pork, and black pepper. Despite its creamy texture, it contains no actual cream—just the perfect emulsion of egg, cheese, and pasta water.
This classic spaghetti carbonara recipe is beloved for its simplicity, flavor, and the luxurious mouthfeel it delivers with each bite.
Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Ingredients
Authentic Carbonara is all about quality and technique. Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional version:
- 400g (14 oz) spaghetti
- 150g (5 oz) guanciale (or pancetta or bacon if unavailable)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan as a substitute)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for the pasta water
These are the classic spaghetti carbonara ingredients—nothing more, nothing less. No cream, garlic, or onion in the real deal.
How to Make Real Spaghetti Carbonara
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Cook the Guanciale
While the pasta cooks, fry the guanciale in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat but keep the fat in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. This is the creamy base for your sauce.
Step 4: Combine
Add the hot, drained pasta to the pan with the guanciale. Toss to coat in the rendered fat. Remove from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, tossing rapidly to create a silky, creamy sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Plate the pasta and top with extra cheese and pepper. Enjoy the real, creamy richness of Spaghetti Carbonara done right.
Quick Carbonara Recipe Hack
Short on time? Here’s a quick carbonara recipe version:
- Use pre-cooked bacon or pancetta.
- Mix eggs and cheese while the pasta boils.
- Toss everything together in one pot off the heat.
It’s not as traditional, but it’s fast and delicious—perfect for weeknight meals!
How to Make Keto Spaghetti Carbonara
Looking for a low-carb twist? Here’s how to make a keto spaghetti carbonara:
- Swap regular spaghetti for spiralized zucchini, shirataki noodles, or palmini pasta.
- Keep the sauce the same—egg, cheese, and bacon or pancetta are all keto-friendly!
- Be sure to drain excess water from veggie noodles to keep the sauce creamy.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Spaghetti
Even though classic carbonara doesn’t use cream, it’s known for its smooth, luscious texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use room-temperature eggs for easier emulsification.
- Toss off the heat—adding eggs over direct heat will scramble them.
- Add pasta water gradually to create a silky consistency.
- Grate your own cheese for better melting and flavor.
This method results in a beautiful, creamy spaghetti sauce without needing any added cream.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re making a real spaghetti carbonara in the Roman tradition, experimenting with a keto spaghetti carbonara, or just whipping up a quick carbonara recipe on a weeknight, this dish never fails to impress. With its rich flavor and minimal ingredients, Spaghetti Carbonara proves that simple recipes can deliver the most satisfying results.
So grab your eggs, cheese, and pasta—and bring a bit of Rome to your table tonight with this timeless pasta carbonara recipe.