What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Creamy, rich, and irresistibly delicious, this homemade carbonara is a crowd-pleaser that’s easier to make than you might think. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a restaurant-quality dish in no time.
- Perfectly balanced flavors—silky egg sauce, crispy pancetta, and sharp Parmesan blend together for a bite you’ll crave.
- Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum taste—no fancy tricks needed, just quality staples that shine in every forkful.
Recipe
Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy, rich sauce made with eggs, cheese, and pancetta. Simple yet indulgent, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 400g spaghetti
- 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 50g Pecorino Romano, grated
- 50g 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. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and fry the pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk the eggs, Pecorino, Parmigiano, and a generous amount of black pepper.
- Quickly toss the hot pasta with the pancetta and its rendered fat. Remove from heat.
- Pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper.
Notes:
- Do not add cream—authentic carbonara relies on eggs and cheese for creaminess.
- Work quickly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Italian
Serving: 4
Nutrition
This homemade carbonara recipe provides a rich and satisfying meal. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550 | 25g | 30g | 45g | 2g | 3g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade carbonara with warm, buttery garlic bread—it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. A fresh salad with crisp greens and a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice touch of lightness to balance the dish. These sides are simple but make the meal feel extra special.
Garlic Bread Pairing
There’s nothing quite like crispy garlic bread to round out a plate of carbonara, and I’ve found that a few simple sides can turn it into a full, satisfying meal. I love toasting thick slices of baguette with butter, garlic, and a sprinkle of parsley—it’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. For extra flavor, I sometimes add a pinch of grated Parmesan or red pepper flakes. Pair it with roasted asparagus or sautéed mushrooms, and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent yet balanced. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never skip the garlic bread again!
Fresh Salad Options
When you’re enjoying a rich, creamy carbonara, a fresh salad can be the perfect way to balance out the meal, adding a light, crisp contrast to every bite. I love tossing together a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette—the peppery greens cut through the pasta’s richness. A classic Caesar with crunchy romaine and tangy dressing works too, or try a caprese salad with juicy tomatoes and fresh basil. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add shaved Parmesan or toasted nuts for extra texture. Just keep it simple—you want the salad to complement, not compete with, the star of the show.
