Classic Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Pasta Carbonara is a beloved Italian classic known for its creamy texture and savory flavors. it usually consists of spaghetti pasta, pancetta or bacon, pecorino Romano, and a few other ingredients depending on the recipe you follow. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious Pasta Carbonara that will transport your taste buds to Italy.

Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (about 340g) of spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup (about 100g) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 4-6 slices of pancetta or guanciale (you can also use bacon if needed)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it's boiling, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. Set this mixture aside.

3. In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the pancetta or guanciale (or bacon), and cook it until it becomes crispy and golden brown. Remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel to remove excess grease. If there's too much fat in the pan, you can drain some, but leave about a tablespoon.

4. In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté it briefly until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown.

5. Now, add the cooked pasta to the pan with the garlic and toss it to combine.

6. Take the pan off the heat, and while it's still warm, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta. Toss everything together vigorously. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs into a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Finally, crumble the crispy pancetta or guanciale (or bacon) over the pasta and give it one final toss.

8. Serve your Pasta Carbonara immediately, garnished with additional Pecorino Romano cheese, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Pasta Carbonara, a timeless Italian masterpiece!


Pasta Carbonara is proof that some of the most delicious dishes are the simplest to make. With just a few key ingredients and a little technique, you can create an authentic Italian pasta that's sure to impress your family and friends. Buon appetito!