If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying meal to whip up on a busy night, this Spaghetti Carbonara is your answer. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes for family that can impress even the pickiest of eaters, and you likely already have the ingredients at home.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a few core ingredients – pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta – you can create a creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to every strand of spaghetti. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can add in your favorite ingredients to make it your own.
Deliciously Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara
This Spaghetti Carbonara features al dente pasta tossed in a silky sauce made from eggs, aged cheese, and crispy pancetta. The combination gives it a rich, savory taste with a hint of pepper that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.
The dish is creamy without the use of heavy cream, relying instead on the emulsification of the pasta water and the eggs to create its luxurious texture.
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt for pasta water
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Pancetta: In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it’s crispy and golden, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Combine: Add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing with additional cheese, black pepper, and parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
