Enjoy the fresh, flavorful, and simple dish that is classic pasta carbonara. In under 30 minutes using spaghetti, eggs, guanciale (or bacon), pepper, and a few extras, you can enjoy this traditional, creamy, restaurant-quality recipe right at home!
Prep Time: 5 minutesminutes
Cook Time: 20 minutesminutes
Total Time: 25 minutesminutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1Tablespoonsalt, for pasta water, plus 1 pinch for egg mixture
2largeeggs, at room temperature
3largeegg yolks, at room temperature
2ouncespecorino Romano or parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/3 cup) , plus more for serving
Coarsely ground black pepper, plus more for serving
4ouncesguanciale, pancetta, or bacon, sliced into 1/4-inch x 1/2-inch pieces
2-3cloves garlic, minced (optional)
12ouncesspaghetti(about 3/4 box)
Optional garnish: Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
In a large pot filled with water, add salt and bring to a boil over high heat.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolks, pecorino, pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil. Add the guanciale (pancetta or bacon) and sauté 5 minutes, or until the fat just renders and the edges are crispy but not hard. Add the garlic the last minute of cooking (if adding). Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 3 Tablespoons fat in the skillet.
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until just a just almost al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water and drain pasta.
Whisk 1/2 cup pasta water into egg mixture until smooth.
Heat fat in skillet over medium heat. Add pasta and gently toss 30 seconds. Add the egg mixture and toss together until well coated. Add 1 Tablespoon pasta water, as needed, to turn thin the sauce.
Plate the pasta and sprinkle guanciale, pecorino, pepper, and parsley, if using, over the top to serve.
Notes
Variations: While these would take away from a traditional carbonara, they would be delicious additions to boost the flavor.
Add in 1/2 cup diced onions while cooking the bacon. You could even add some bell peppers or diced mushrooms as well.
To add in some green veggies, you could add in 1/2 cup cooked peas or toss in some baby spinach the last minute of cooking.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a little kick.
Recipe credit: Recipe slightly adapted from Ian Fisher.