Spaghetti Carbonara is one of Italy’s most famous pasta dishes, known for its creamy, rich sauce made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and crispy pancetta or guanciale. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal when you’re craving something comforting and indulgent. With just a few simple ingredients, carbonara delivers bold flavors in a matter of minutes.
Why Spaghetti Carbonara Is a Favorite
Spaghetti Carbonara is beloved for its simplicity and rich, indulgent taste. Here’s why it’s such a popular dish:
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of eggs, cheese, and pancetta creates a velvety, creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cooking time, carbonara is one of the easiest and most satisfying Italian dishes to make.
- Full of Flavor: The sharp, salty Pecorino Romano and the crispy pancetta or guanciale give the dish its signature savory flavor.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara
This Classic Carbonara recipe is simple and authentic, using just five main ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful pasta dish.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
- 4 oz (115 g) pancetta or guanciale (diced)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (plus extra for serving)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt (for boiling pasta)
- Optional: 1 garlic clove (lightly crushed for flavoring)
Instructions:
- Cook the spaghetti: 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 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- Cook the pancetta: In a large skillet, cook the pancetta (or guanciale) over medium heat until crispy and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. If using garlic for added flavor, add it to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, then remove it before adding the pasta.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine the pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add it to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing to combine. Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to coat the spaghetti in the sauce. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the spaghetti carbonara immediately, topped with extra Pecorino Romano and freshly ground black pepper. Enjoy the rich, creamy pasta dish while it’s hot!
Why You’ll Love Spaghetti Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara is a perfect blend of rich, creamy flavors and textures. Here’s why this dish is so special:
- Luxurious Texture: The creamy egg and cheese sauce is smooth and velvety, coating each strand of spaghetti perfectly.
- Bold Flavors: The salty pancetta or guanciale adds a delicious savory depth, while the Pecorino Romano provides a sharp, tangy bite.
- Quick and Simple: With only a few ingredients and minimal cooking time, carbonara is an easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat.
Carbonara Variations to Try
While the classic version of carbonara is delicious on its own, here are a few variations to try:
- Vegetarian Carbonara: Swap out pancetta for sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus for a vegetarian twist.
- Creamy Carbonara: Add a splash of cream to the egg mixture for an even richer sauce, though traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream.
- Seafood Carbonara: Add shrimp or scallops to the dish for a luxurious seafood version of carbonara.
Conclusion
Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that’s beloved for its rich, creamy sauce and bold, savory flavors. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home in under 30 minutes. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or try a fun variation, this creamy, indulgent pasta dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy a taste of Italy with this authentic carbonara recipe!
