Chef John's Spaghetti alla Carbonara

4.6
(271)

Spaghetti alla carbonara's creamy sauce is simply a thin egg and cheese custard, spiked with pork and black pepper. Try to find pancetta or guanciale (pork cheek cured like pancetta) for a really authentic taste!

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Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
20 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
2
Yield:
2 servings
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 2 servings

  • 4 ounces guanciale, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

  • 2 eggs

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste

  • 6 ounces spaghetti

  • 1 cup reserved pasta water

  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

  • 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

  1. Cook guanciale with olive oil and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

  2. Whisk eggs, 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

  3. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.

  4. Pour reserved pasta water and drained spaghetti into the bacon-pepper mixture; stir to combine.

  5. Slowly pour egg mixture into the pasta mixture; cook, stirring constantly until the egg mixture forms a thick sauce, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

  6. Stir remaining 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese into the pasta mixture and serve.

Recipe Tip

You can substitute pancetta for the guanciale, or if you're in a pinch, use bacon.

513 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

688 Calories
30g Fat
66g Carbs
36g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 688
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g 39%
Saturated Fat 11g 57%
Cholesterol 220mg 73%
Sodium 984mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 66g 24%
Dietary Fiber 3g 11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 36g 73%
Vitamin C 0mg 0%
Calcium 460mg 35%
Iron 5mg 27%
Potassium 414mg 9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.