Classic Spaghetti Carbonara - Authentic Italian Recipe

There’s something magical about authentic Italian Spaghetti Carbonara – a dish that transforms just five simple ingredients into creamy, luxurious perfection. This isn’t the heavy, cream-laden version you might find in some restaurants. This is the real deal: silky pasta coated in a sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta.

The Secret to Perfect Carbonara

The key to authentic carbonara lies in technique, not ingredients. The creamy sauce comes from tempering raw eggs with hot pasta and pasta water – no cream required! This traditional Roman dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most sublime.

What You’ll Need

• 400g spaghetti
• 200g pancetta or guanciale, diced
• 4 large eggs
• 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Salt for pasta water

The Method

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente.

Step 2: Crisp the Pancetta While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy and golden.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 4: The Magic Moment Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti. Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat and quickly pour egg mixture over pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce.

Chef’s Tips for Success

The most important thing when making carbonara is timing. Have everything ready before you start because once the pasta is done, you need to work quickly:

• Temperature Control - Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture
• Constant Movement - Keep tossing the pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling
• Pasta Water - This starchy liquid is your secret weapon for silky texture
• Quality Ingredients - Use good Pecorino Romano and fresh black pepper

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy - Ready in under 20 minutes
• Minimal Ingredients - Just 5 pantry staples
• Restaurant Quality - Authentic Italian technique
• Comfort Food - Rich, satisfying, and utterly delicious

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding cream - Traditional carbonara never contains cream
• Scrambling the eggs - Keep the heat low and work quickly
• Using bacon - Pancetta or guanciale have the right flavor and texture
• Overcooking the pasta - Al dente is essential for proper texture

Serving Suggestions

Carbonara is rich and filling, so pair it with:

• A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Crusty Italian bread
• A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio

This recipe has been tested countless times in our kitchen, and we’re confident it will become one of your go-to weeknight dinners. The combination of crispy pancetta, al dente pasta, and that incredible creamy sauce makes for pure comfort food magic.

Buon appetito!