Italy Tip Delightful Italian Recipes

🍝 Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Learn how to make a classic spaghetti carbonara with this easy recipe from Italy Tip. Discover the traditional ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

You will need:

  • spaghetti pasta200g spaghetti
  • guanciale100g guanciale (Italian cured pork cheek)
  • large eggs2 large eggs
  • Pecorino Romano cheese50g Pecorino Romano cheese
  • Parmigiano Reggiano cheese50g Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
  • salt and black pepperSalt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente.
  2. While the spaghetti is cooking, cut the guanciale into small chunks and fry in a hot pan until crispy. Remove from heat.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in both cheeses. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  4. Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve some pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  5. Add the drained spaghetti to the pan with guanciale. Mix well to coat the spaghetti in the fat.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add some pasta water.
  7. Serve immediately, with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a twist of black pepper.

Notes

The key to a great Carbonara is to work quickly to ensure the egg mixture creates a creamy sauce, rather than scrambling on the hot pasta. Guanciale is the traditional meat used in this dish, but pancetta can be used as a substitute.

There's something truly magical about Italian cuisine. Its ability to transform simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces is a testament to the country's rich culinary heritage. One such dish that perfectly encapsulates this is the Classic Spaghetti Carbonara. This traditional Italian recipe, originating from Rome, is a testament to the Italian philosophy of using few ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavors.

Our Classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is a delightful journey into the heart of Italian cuisine. The dish is a symphony of flavors, with the salty guanciale perfectly complementing the creamy cheese and egg sauce. The key to a perfect Carbonara is the quality of the ingredients. Use authentic Italian guanciale for the best results. If you can't find guanciale, pancetta makes a good substitute. But remember, the secret to a great Carbonara lies in the timing. You must work quickly to ensure the egg mixture creates a creamy sauce rather than scrambling on the hot pasta.

For those seeking a vegan alternative, there are plenty of vegan pasta recipes inspired by Italian cuisine. You can even try making a vegan pasta using olive oil, as explained here.

Spaghetti Carbonara is traditionally made without any sauce. But if you're a fan of saucy pasta, you can explore a variety of spaghetti sauce recipes or learn about the best Italian pasta sauces to add a twist to your meal.

And what about leftovers? Reheating pasta can be tricky, but don't worry, we've got you covered. Find out the best way to reheat leftover pasta to enjoy your Carbonara the next day.

So, whether you're an experienced cook or a novice in the kitchen, this Classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe is a must-try. It's a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart, transporting you straight to the cobblestone streets of Rome. Buon appetito!