Introduction
If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and authentic Italian dish, Spaghetti Carbonara is the perfect choice! With just a few ingredients, this creamy and flavorful pasta dish is a favorite worldwide. The best part? No cream is needed! The creaminess comes from the perfect combination of eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
Follow this step-by-step guide to make an authentic Italian Carbonara at home!
Why This Recipe Works
✅ Simple & Quick – Ready in just 20 minutes!
✅ Authentic Taste – Uses traditional ingredients (no cream!).
✅ Super Creamy Without Cream – Achieved using eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
✅ Perfect Every Time – Easy tips to avoid overcooked eggs.
Ingredients (Serves 2-3)
Essential Ingredients:
- 200g spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
- 100g guanciale (or pancetta, diced)
- 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup (50g) Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan, finely grated)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- Salt (for pasta water)
💡 Guanciale (cured pork cheek) is the traditional choice, but pancetta or even thick-cut bacon can work!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Dice the guanciale (or pancetta) into small cubes.
- Finely grate the Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Crack 2 whole eggs + 1 egg yolk into a bowl and whisk together.
- Add the grated cheese to the egg mixture and mix well.
💡 Adding the cheese now helps prevent the eggs from scrambling later!
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a generous amount of salt.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions).
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
💡 Pasta water contains starch and helps create the creamy sauce!
3. Cook the Guanciale
- In a large pan, cook the guanciale over medium heat until crispy and golden brown (about 4-5 minutes).
- Turn off the heat and let it cool slightly.
💡 Do not drain the fat! It adds extra flavor to the Carbonara sauce.
4. Mix the Pasta & Sauce (Without Scrambling the Eggs!)
- Add the hot spaghetti to the pan with the guanciale and mix well.
- Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly.
- Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to create a silky, creamy sauce.
💡 Mix quickly and keep the heat off to prevent the eggs from scrambling!
5. Final Touches & Serving
- Add freshly ground black pepper for a bold flavor.
- Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in a creamy sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra grated Pecorino Romano on top.
💡 Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, so serve it right away!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Carbonara
✅ Use Quality Ingredients – Guanciale and Pecorino Romano make a difference.
✅ Never Use Cream – Authentic Carbonara is creamy from eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
✅ Don’t Overcook the Eggs – Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture.
✅ Reserve Pasta Water – Helps achieve a smooth, silky sauce.
Variations & Substitutions
🔹 No Guanciale? Use pancetta or thick-cut bacon.
🔹 No Pecorino Romano? Parmesan is a good substitute.
🔹 Want More Flavor? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Make Carbonara Without Guanciale?
Yes! While guanciale gives the best flavor, you can substitute it with pancetta or bacon.
2. How Do I Prevent Scrambled Eggs?
✔ Turn off the heat before adding eggs.
✔ Mix quickly to create a smooth sauce.
✔ Use pasta water to help emulsify the sauce.
3. Can I Reheat Carbonara?
Carbonara is best eaten fresh, but if you need to reheat it:
- Heat gently in a pan with a splash of water to restore creaminess.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the eggs to scramble.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this rich and creamy Spaghetti Carbonara with:
🍷 A glass of white wine (like Pinot Grigio)
🥗 A fresh green salad
🍞 Garlic bread for extra indulgence
Final Thoughts: The Best Spaghetti Carbonara!
This authentic Spaghetti Carbonara is incredibly easy and delicious! With a creamy texture, crispy guanciale, and bold black pepper flavor, it’s the perfect comfort food.
Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out! Buon Appetito! 🍝
📌 Love this recipe? Save & share with your friends! #AuthenticCarbonara
