Traditional Italian Recipe

Spaghetti Carbonara

The authentic Roman pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale and black pepper. Simple ingredients, extraordinary flavour. Learn how to make the perfect Italian carbonara at home.

15 minutes
International Carbonara Day – April 6th
Delicious Spaghetti Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish from Rome made with eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork cheek) and freshly ground black pepper. This authentic recipe creates a creamy, rich sauce without cream, relying on the perfect combination of egg yolks and starchy pasta water. Known for its simplicity and incredible flavour, it's one of Italy's most beloved pasta recipes. Our step-by-step guide will help you cook carbonara that tastes just like in Rome.

Ingredients

What You'll Need

Servings
1
  • Spaghetti100g
  • Guanciale50g
  • Egg yolks1 piece
  • Pecorino Romano DOP25g
  • Black pepperFreshly ground
Carbonara ingredients

Did you make this carbonara?

Show us your creation! Send us a photo and see it in our gallery.

Cooking Steps

1

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water.

Step 1 of Carbonara recipe
2

Remove the tough outer skin from the guanciale, especially the thick layer at the bottom. Cut the meat into cubes or strips.

Step 2 of Carbonara recipe
3

Fry the guanciale in a dry pan over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a cutting board – optionally, chop it into smaller pieces. Pour the rendered fat into a separate container.

Step 3 of Carbonara recipe
4

In a bowl, combine the egg yolks and grated cheese. Mix gently.

Step 4 of Carbonara recipe
5

Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to the egg and cheese mixture and stir until smooth. Then add some of the rendered fat and a portion of the fried guanciale. Mix again.

Step 5 of Carbonara recipe
6

Place the cooked pasta in the same pan used for frying the guanciale. Heat it gently and add a bit of the reserved pasta water, stirring to absorb the remaining flavours from the pan.

Step 6 of Carbonara recipe
7

Turn off the heat. Gradually add the egg mixture to the pasta, stirring vigorously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. If needed, return the pan to low heat briefly.

Step 7 of Carbonara recipe
8

Serve immediately, topped with the remaining guanciale and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 8 of Carbonara recipe
🍝

Buon Appetito!

Your authentic Spaghetti Carbonara is ready to serve. Remember, the key is timing and temperature – work quickly to create that perfect creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

Share Your Carbonara

We'd love to see your creation! Send us a photo of your carbonara to contact@ilovecarbonara.com.

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Contact

contact@ilovecarbonara.com

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