Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Spaghetti alla Carbonara

Traditional Roman pasta with egg, guanciale, and Pecorino Romano.

Prep 10 minCook 12 minTotal 22 min620 calCuisine: Italian
DINNERPASTAITALIAN

Ingredients

  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti
  • 6 oz (170 g) guanciale or pancetta, diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup grated Pecorino Romano
  • Freshly ground black pepper, generous
  • Salt (for pasta water)

Steps

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium and cook the guanciale until crisp and the fat renders, about 5–7 minutes.
  3. In a bowl, whisk eggs with grated Pecorino Romano and a generous amount of black pepper.
  4. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  5. Add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with guanciale (off heat).
  6. Pour the egg-cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce; add splash(es) of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen.
  7. Adjust with more black pepper and Pecorino to taste.
  8. Serve immediately.

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