Flavour Quest Recipes

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe | Easy Italian Dinner

Classic spaghetti carbonara is an Italian favorite made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. Naturally creamy and ready in under 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish is perfect for weeknights or whenever you’re craving authentic Italian comfort food.

Print Recipe

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method

Ingredients

12 0z Spaghetti
4 large Eggs
1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
6 oz Pancetta or bacon diced
2 Cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
Black pepper freshly ground to taste
Parsley chopped for garnish
Salt to taste (optional)

Method

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente or desired tenderness. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.
Cook the pancetta
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Mix eggs and cheese
In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan until smooth.
Combine pasta and pancetta
Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta. Remove from heat. Slowly pour the egg-cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to reach the desired consistency.
Season and serve
Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt if needed.
Remove from heat and drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil.
Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

🔄 Variations

Use guanciale instead of pancetta for a more traditional version.

Substitute Pecorino Romano for Parmesan, or use a mix of both.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat.

If pancetta isn’t available, bacon works as a practical alternative.

❄️ Storage

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh.

If needed, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water, stirring constantly to loosen the sauce.

💡Tips

Always remove the skillet from direct heat before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick.
Try pancetta for authentic taste, or bacon if it’s easier to find.

❓ FAQs

Q: Does carbonara use cream?
A: No. Traditional carbonara gets its creamy texture from eggs, cheese, and pasta water—no cream needed.

Q: Can I use bacon instead of pancetta?
A: Yes. While pancetta is more traditional, bacon is a common and acceptable substitute.

Q: How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
A: Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture and stir quickly. The residual heat will cook the eggs gently.

Want More Cozy Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this recipe, you’ll love my free Comfort Dinner Guide—packed with easy, satisfying weeknight meals.