Spaghetti Carbonara

Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara

This authentic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe highlights the classic Roman dish, relying solely on eggs, pecorino romano cheese, and rendered guanciale to create its signature creamy sauce—no cream, garlic, or onions needed. It's a simple yet flavorful dish that captures the essence of Italian cooking.

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Cook time: 30 min (Prep: 20 min)
Servings
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Ingredients

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Directions

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  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and whole egg until combined. Add grated pecorino romano and black pepper. Whisk until thoroughly incorporated and set aside.
    • 3 egg yolks (60 g)
    • 1 egg (55 g)
    • 1 cup pecorino romano, grated (100 g)
    • 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (5 g)
  • Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add salt.
    • 1 tbsp salt (18 g)
      (for pasta water)
  • While waiting for the water to boil, cut the guanciale into ¼-inch cubes. Place in a cold, large skillet, then heat over medium-low heat. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the guanciale is crisp but not burnt, about 8-10 minutes.
    • 8 oz guanciale, cut into ¼-inch cubes (225 g)
  • When the guanciale is crisp, transfer about ⅔ of it to a small bowl, leaving the rendered fat and remaining guanciale in the pan. Turn the heat to the lowest setting.
    • Cook the spaghetti in the boiling water until al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions.
      • 1 lb spaghetti (450 g)
    • Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly to the skillet with the guanciale and fat. Add a quarter cup of the pasta cooking water and increase heat to medium.
      • Toss the pasta vigorously to coat with the rendered fat. Remove the skillet from heat.
        • Working quickly, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add additional pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
          • Divide the pasta among warmed serving plates. Top each portion with the remaining crispy guanciale, additional grated pecorino romano, and freshly ground black pepper.
            • 8 oz guanciale, cut into ¼-inch cubes (225 g)
            • 1 cup pecorino romano, grated (100 g)
            • 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground (5 g)
          • Serve immediately.

            Nutrition Information

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            Per serving

            Nutrient
            Amount
            % DV
            Calories
            747 kcal
            37%
            Fat
            55 g
            71%
            Saturated fat
            23 g
            115%
            Trans fat
            0 g
            Fiber
            2.3 g
            8.3%
            Carbohydrates
            36 g
            13%
            Sugars
            0.8 g
            1.7%
            Protein
            22 g
            44%
            Sodium
            2,814 mg
            122%
            Cholesterol
            295 mg
            98%

            Total (4 servings)

            Nutrient
            Amount
            % DV
            Calories
            2,988 kcal
            148%
            Fat
            220 g
            284%
            Saturated fat
            92 g
            460%
            Trans fat
            0 g
            Fiber
            9.2 g
            33%
            Carbohydrates
            144 g
            52%
            Sugars
            3.2 g
            6.8%
            Protein
            88 g
            176%
            Sodium
            11,256 mg
            488%
            Cholesterol
            1,180 mg
            392%

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