Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

There's nothing quite like a plate of creamy Spaghetti Carbonara to turn an ordinary dinner into a cozy, indulgent experience. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every strand of pasta, perfectly balanced by the smoky flavor of pancetta and the sharpness of Parmesan. It's the ultimate comfort food.

this Recipe

I first discovered Spaghetti Carbonara during a trip to Rome, and ever since, it's been a go-to recipe in my kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and no need for cream, this dish is a testament to the beauty of simplicity. Ready to make it your new favorite dinner? Let’s dive in.

Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Carbonara

Get ready to embrace your new favorite pasta recipe. Spaghetti Carbonara checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing, quick, and luxurious dish.

First, it’s incredibly fast to make. You can have this meal on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.

The flavor is unforgettable. With pancetta, eggs, Parmesan, and a generous dose of black pepper, the balance of creamy, savory, and slightly salty is unbeatable. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance.

This dish is versatile. While traditional Carbonara sticks to its classic ingredients, you can easily adapt it to include additions like peas, mushrooms, or even crispy bacon instead of pancetta.

Finally, it’s simple and affordable. With pantry staples like pasta and eggs as the base, you don’t need to break the bank for a meal that tastes like it came from a fine Italian restaurant.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of Spaghetti Carbonara lies in its simple yet high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating its signature flavor and texture.

Spaghetti is the classic choice for this dish, thanks to its ability to twirl around the creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute with fettuccine or linguine.

Pancetta adds a smoky, salty depth of flavor. If you can’t find pancetta, guanciale is a more traditional option, or you can use thick-cut bacon as a substitute.

Eggs are the backbone of the sauce, creating that luscious, creamy consistency. Use fresh, large eggs for the best results.

Parmesan cheese gives the dish its nutty, savory flavor. Grate your cheese fresh for the smoothest incorporation and the best taste.

Black pepper is not just a seasoning here – it’s a key ingredient. Freshly cracked black pepper brings a bold, slightly spicy kick that ties everything together.

Lastly, you’ll need olive oil to sauté the pancetta, and a bit of reserved pasta water to help create the perfect sauce consistency. No special equipment is required, just a large pot and a sturdy skillet.

How To Make This Spaghetti Carbonara

Making Spaghetti Carbonara is surprisingly easy, and the process is as satisfying as the end result. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the spaghetti according to package directions. Reserve about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, then toss in the pancetta. Sauté until it’s golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat to cool slightly.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.

Once the pasta is ready, transfer it directly into the skillet with the pancetta using tongs. This helps retain a bit of the starchy water. Toss everything together until the spaghetti is well coated in the pancetta’s flavorful oil.

With the skillet off the heat, slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing quickly to coat the pasta. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently, creating a silky sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and black pepper. The result is a plate of pasta that feels like a warm embrace.

Storage Options

While Spaghetti Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers if needed. Transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.

To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats. Be cautious not to overheat, as the eggs in the sauce can scramble.

Avoid freezing this dish, as the creamy sauce doesn’t hold up well to freezing and thawing.

Variations and Substitutions

Spaghetti Carbonara is wonderfully adaptable, and you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or ingredients on hand.

For a vegetarian version, skip the pancetta and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty alternative.

Want a touch of green? Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or peas during the last step for a pop of color and freshness.

If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a fantastic substitute. It’s slightly saltier and tangier, giving the dish an extra punch of flavor.

For an added twist, sprinkle a bit of red chili flakes into the sauce for a spicy kick.

No spaghetti in your pantry? Substitute with bucatini, fettuccine, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, indulgent, and endlessly satisfying. Now it’s your turn to bring a taste of Rome to your own kitchen. Buon appetito!

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