What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade carbonara is creamy, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginners. You’ll love how simple ingredients come together to create a restaurant-quality dish at home.
- Rich and creamy—the silky egg and cheese sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly.
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients—just eggs, cheese, pasta, and pancetta (or bacon) for a dish that’s big on flavor.
Recipe
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy texture and rich flavor. Made with simple ingredients, it’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 200g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 4 large eggs
- 100g Pecorino Romano, grated
- 100g Parmigiano-Reggiano, grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
Instructions:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large pan over medium heat and fry the pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, then mix in the grated cheeses and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Drain the pasta, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Quickly toss the hot pasta into the pan with the pancetta, then remove from heat.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of pasta water if needed.
- Serve immediately with extra grated cheese and black pepper.
Notes:
- Do not add cream; the sauce should be made with eggs and cheese only.
- Work quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large pan
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 4
Nutrition
Carbonara is a rich and creamy pasta dish, packed with flavors from eggs, cheese, pancetta, and pepper. This homemade recipe provides a satisfying comfort meal with a balance of protein, carbs, and fats.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 180 mg |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing carbonara with simple side dishes, like a crisp salad or garlic bread, to balance its richness. A glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements the flavors perfectly and makes the meal feel complete. It’s always fun to mix and match these options to find what works best for you!
Side Dishes
Since a rich dish like carbonara can feel heavy on its own, I like to balance it with lighter sides that add freshness and contrast. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, while roasted asparagus or garlicky sautéed spinach brings earthy flavors. For crunch, I’ll toss together some toasted breadcrumbs or serve crusty bread on the side. If I’m feeling fancy, a simple caprese salad with ripe tomatoes and basil works wonders. These sides keep the meal satisfying without overpowering the star of the show—the carbonara. Trust me, they’re game-changers!
Wine Pairings
When it comes to rounding out a carbonara meal, the right wine can make all the difference. I’ve found that a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with the creamy, salty flavors of carbonara. If you prefer something with a bit more body, a Chardonnay works well too. For red wine lovers, a light Italian red like Chianti or Barbera can complement the dish without overpowering it. Honestly, I’ve even enjoyed carbonara with a glass of Prosecco—it’s all about what tastes good to you! Experiment and find your perfect match. Cheers!
