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Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe (Quick and Easy!)

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Ah, spaghetti carbonara! This dish brings back so many fond memories of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table. It's a recipe that captures the essence of comfort food—simple, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or special occasions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
  • 400 g spaghetti cooks up beautifully and holds the sauce well.
  • 150 g pancetta or guanciale diced
  • 3 large eggs create the creamy sauce when combined with the cheese.
  • 100 g pecorino Romano cheese grated
  • 50 g Parmesan cheese grated
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • salt for the pasta water
  • fresh parsley chopped (for garnish, optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it's bubbling, add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve 1 cup of that precious pasta water before draining!
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta or guanciale until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. The aroma will be heavenly! Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, pecorino Romano, Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined.
  4. Step 4: Quickly add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta, tossing everything together to combine. Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before the next step.
  5. Step 5: Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the spaghetti, tossing continuously. This is key to achieving that creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, don't hesitate to add some reserved pasta water gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese, a sprinkle of black pepper, and chopped parsley if you're feeling fancy!

Notes

While carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce.