Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Name: Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 350 g 12oz spaghetti; 140 g 5oz pancetta, diced; 3 large eggs; 3 large egg yolks; 115 g 4oz finely grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano preferred); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); Salt (to taste (mostly for pasta water))

Jump to Recipe

Silky, rich, and impossibly satisfying, this Creamy Pasta Carbonara is ready in under 20 minutes! It’s my go-to comfort food, transporting me straight back to my Roman holiday.

Dive headfirst into pasta paradise with this Creamy Pasta Carbonara recipe. My version delivers authentic Italian flavors with a touch of modern finesse. Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti, coated in a luscious, golden sauce, punctuated by crispy pancetta and the sharp bite of Parmesan cheese.

This pasta carbonara recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the quick weeknight dinner that tastes like a weekend indulgence. Prepare to be amazed at how simple ingredients can create something so deeply satisfying. This pasta carbonara recipe is a dish that I make at least once a month, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s faces.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Authentic Flavors: Experience classic Italian comfort.
Rich & Creamy: The perfect balance of textures and tastes.
Minimal Ingredients: Simple, pantry-friendly staples.
Impressive Yet Simple: Guaranteed to impress guests.

Ingredients Breakdown

pasta carbonara recipeingredients — Pasta Carbonara Recipe Ingredients

Spaghetti: 350g (12 oz). Use a good-quality brand for best texture.
Pancetta:140g (5oz) diced. Guanciale is the traditional choice, but pancetta is more readily available.
Eggs: 3 large. Use the freshest eggs possible.
Egg Yolks: 3 large. The key to that ultra-creamy sauce!
Parmesan Cheese: 115g (4oz) finely grated. Authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano is ideal, but good quality Parmesan is acceptable.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground, to taste. A generous amount adds a wonderful kick.
Salt: To taste, mostly for the pasta water.

Kitchen Tools Needed

Large Pot: For cooking the spaghetti.
Large Bowl: For mixing the sauce.
Frying Pan: For cooking the pancetta.
Whisk: For combining the eggs and cheese.
Tongs: For transferring the spaghetti.
Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese.
Kitchen Scale: Recommended for accurate measurements.

How To Make Pasta Carbonara (Step-by-Step Instructions)

Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup (240ml) of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Pancetta: While the spaghetti is cooking, heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy and the edges are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Whisk the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.
Temper the Sauce: Gradually whisk in about ½ cup (120ml) of the hot pasta water into the egg mixture, a little at a time, to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. This step is crucial for a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine the Pasta & Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the bowl with the egg sauce. Toss quickly and thoroughly to coat the spaghetti evenly. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs slightly, creating a creamy emulsion. Add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Add Pancetta: Stir in the crispy pancetta, including the rendered fat in the pan, into the spaghetti and cream sauce.
Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and more black pepper, if needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a generous crack of black pepper.
Enjoy!: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.

Pro Tips for Success

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is key for the best texture. Soggy pasta will detract from the overall experience.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using the highest quality ingredients will make a noticeable difference. Splurge on the Parmigiano-Reggiano!
Temper the Eggs Carefully: This is the secret to preventing scrambled eggs. Go slowly and whisk constantly.
Work Quickly: The heat from the pasta is what gently cooks the eggs. Don’t let the pasta sit too long before adding the sauce.
Don’t Be Afraid of Black Pepper: A generous amount of freshly ground black pepper is essential for authentic flavor.

Variations & Dietary Swaps

Guanciale: For a truly authentic experience, use guanciale instead of pancetta.
Smoked Pancetta: Add a depth of smokiness to your carbonara by using smoked pancetta.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free spaghetti.
Vegetarian (Almost): Omit the pancetta for a vegetarian-ish version (it will lack the smoky/salty depth, but still be delicious). Add roasted vegetables such as mushrooms or asparagus to add back some of the flavor & texture.
Spicy Carbonara: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Serving Suggestions

Simple Side Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the carbonara.
Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Creamy Carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the eggs rubbery. The overall texture won’t be quite as good as the fresh pasta, but it will still be delicious.

Troubleshooting / FAQ

Why is my sauce watery?

You may not have used enough pasta water or the eggs weren’t properly tempered. Next time, add the pasta water gradually and make sure to whisk constantly.

Why did my eggs scramble?

The eggs likely got too hot too quickly. Temper them more slowly and ensure the pasta isn’t too hot when you add the sauce.

Can I use cream in carbonara?

While some modern variations use cream, authentic carbonara does not include cream. The creaminess comes from the eggs and cheese. I highly recommend sticking to tradition for the best flavor!

What other cheeses can I use?

Pecorino Romano is a traditional alternative to Parmesan

How can I make the carbonara recipe healthier?

While carbonara is definitely a rich dish, you can lighten it up by using whole-wheat pasta and using Greek yogurt instead of some of the egg yolks.

Why This Pasta Carbonara Recipe Works

My love affair with carbonara began during a study abroad trip to Rome. I remember wandering through the cobblestone streets, the aroma of freshly made pasta filling the air, and finally stumbling upon a tiny trattoria where I ordered my first plate of pasta carbonara. The simplicity of the dish, combined with its incredible flavor, completely captivated me.

I knew I had to recreate it at home. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different techniques and ingredients, perfecting this Creamy Pasta Carbonara recipe.

The key to a great carbonara is understanding the science behind the sauce. The combination of eggs, cheese, and hot pasta water creates a delicate emulsion that coats the spaghetti in a luscious, creamy sauce. Tempering the eggs carefully prevents them from scrambling, while the heat from the pasta gently cooks the eggs to create the perfect consistency.

The crispy pancetta adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the richness of the sauce, and the freshly ground black pepper provides a delightful kick. When all of these elements come together, you have a truly unforgettable dish. This creamy pasta carbonara recipe is a dish that I have perfected over time.

Just Try it Out

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Creamy Pasta Carbonara! This classic Italian dish is easier than you think, and the result is guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, follow my tips, and get ready to experience pasta perfection. I hope you enjoy this pasta carbonara recipe as much as I do!

Tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Buon Appetito!

Cacio e Pepe: Another classic Roman pasta dish with simple ingredients.
Aglio e Olio: A quick and flavorful pasta dish with garlic and olive oil.
Pasta Primavera: A vegetable-packed pasta dish perfect for spring.
Spaghetti Bolognese: A classic meat sauce that’s perfect for a family dinner.