There's nothing like twirling a forkful of creamy, cheesy spaghetti carbonara for the ultimate comfort meal. This Italian classic combines crispy pancetta, velvety egg yolks, and a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to prepare.

The first time I made spaghetti carbonara, I was amazed at how a few simple ingredients could transform into something so flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home or impressing guests, this recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen. Let’s dive into why you’ll love it!
Why You'll Love This Spaghetti Carbonara
Get ready to fall head over heels for this creamy, dreamy spaghetti carbonara. It's the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is easy enough to whip up on a weeknight.
First, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes! It's perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Second, it’s made with pantry staples like eggs, Parmesan cheese, and spaghetti, making it both convenient and budget-friendly. You likely already have most of these ingredients at home.
Another reason to love carbonara? It's packed with flavor. The combination of crispy pancetta, rich egg yolks, and freshly cracked black pepper creates a taste that's comforting and luxurious.
Finally, this recipe is endlessly versatile. Want to use guanciale instead of pancetta? Prefer Pecorino Romano over Parmesan? No problem! It’s easy to make it your own. Ready to learn more? Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of spaghetti carbonara lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came straight from a trattoria in Rome.
Spaghetti: The star of the show. While you can use other long pasta like bucatini or fettuccine, spaghetti is the traditional choice for this dish. Be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Egg Yolks: These are what give the carbonara its creamy, luxurious sauce. Make sure to use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best flavor.
Pancetta or Guanciale: Traditional carbonara calls for guanciale, an Italian cured pork jowl, but pancetta is easier to find and works beautifully. If you're in a pinch, you can use bacon, but it will have a smokier flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste) is essential. Pre-grated cheese won't melt as smoothly, so grab a block and your grater.
Garlic (Optional): While not traditionally included, a smashed clove of garlic can add a subtle, aromatic touch. Simply sauté it with the pancetta, then discard before mixing the sauce.
Black Pepper: Coarsely cracked black pepper is key for seasoning and adding a little heat. Don’t skimp on it—it’s a vital part of the dish’s flavor profile.
Special equipment: A large skillet for crisping the pancetta and a mixing bowl to whisk the egg mixture are all you need. Ready to bring it all together? Let’s cook!
How To Make Spaghetti Carbonara

Creating spaghetti carbonara is a simple process that delivers incredible results. Follow these steps for creamy, flavorful pasta perfection.
1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water is crucial for creating the sauce.
2. Crisp the Pancetta: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
4. Combine the Pasta and Pancetta: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat, ensuring every strand is glistening.
5. Add the Sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and pour in the egg and cheese mixture, tossing quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
6. Serve Immediately: Plate the pasta, garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, and serve hot. Enjoy every creamy, savory bite!
Storage Options
Spaghetti carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers if needed. Here’s how:
Refrigerator: Place the pasta in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so be prepared to loosen it with a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezer: While freezing is not ideal due to the creamy sauce, you can freeze carbonara for up to 1 month. Just note that the texture may change slightly.
Reheating: Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a small amount of liquid to bring back the creamy consistency. Avoid using the microwave, as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Variations and Substitutions
Spaghetti carbonara is a wonderfully adaptable dish. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
Cheese Choices: Substitute Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor, or mix it with Parmesan for a balanced taste.
Pasta Swaps: Try bucatini for a thicker, chewier option or tagliatelle for a silky twist.
Add Veggies: Toss in some peas, sautéed mushrooms, or spinach for a pop of color and added nutrition.
Protein Alternatives: If you can’t find pancetta or guanciale, diced prosciutto or turkey bacon can be great substitutes.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce.
The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Spaghetti carbonara is proof that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite. What are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get cooking!
PrintSpaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Indulge in this traditional Spaghetti Carbonara recipe featuring simple ingredients like spaghetti, eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick, comforting meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
- In a skillet, cook pancetta over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan, and a pinch of black pepper.
- Toss hot spaghetti with the pancetta in the skillet. Gradually mix in the egg mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Notes
- Use guanciale for an authentic taste.
- Avoid high heat when mixing eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Add garlic for an extra flavor boost if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
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