Spaghetti Carbonara
← BrowseMainsMedium

Spaghetti Carbonara

Prep
10 mins
Cook
20 mins
Total
30 mins
Serves
4

Be the first to make this!

No cream. Not even a drop. Just eggs, cheese, guanciale and pure Roman magic. Make this once and your whole pasta life changes.

What you need 🛒

Spaghetti400 g
Guanciale or pancetta, cut into small cubes200 g
Whole eggs2
Egg yolks4
Pecorino Romano, finely grated80 g
Parmesan, finely grated40 g
Freshly ground black peppervery generously
Salt, for pasta wateras needed

How to make it 👨‍🍳

1

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt it heavily — it should taste pleasantly salty, not just seasoned.

2

Cook the Spaghetti according to packet instructions until al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Before draining, scoop out a large mug of the starchy pasta cooking water.

3

While the pasta cooks, put the Guanciale or pancetta into a cold, wide pan and place over medium heat. Let it render slowly (melt its fat) for 8–10 minutes until the pieces are golden and crispy. Remove the pan from the heat.

4

In a bowl, beat together the Whole eggs, Egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and Parmesan until smooth. Season very generously with Freshly ground black pepper.

5

Drain the Spaghetti and add it immediately to the pan with the Guanciale or pancetta. Toss well so the pasta is coated in the fat.

6

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta and toss quickly and constantly. Add splashes of the reserved pasta water to loosen as needed — you want a glossy sauce that coats every strand. The heat of the pasta cooks the eggs; if the pan is still on the hob, take it off first.

7

Serve immediately with more Pecorino Romano and a heavy crack of Freshly ground black pepper on top.

You might also like

Chicken Tikka Masala
MainsMedium

Chicken Tikka Masala

View recipe →
Classic Beef Burger
MainsEasy

Classic Beef Burger

View recipe →
Mushroom Risotto
MainsMedium

Mushroom Risotto

View recipe →