1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara
A historically inspired carbonara using the same technique as early 20th-century Roman cooks, featuring guanciale and Pecorino Romano for authentic umami depth. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, guanciale, finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz guanciale
- 1 cup, finely grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1 tbsp, freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring 6 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for exactly 8 minutes until al dente, then drain while reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add 4 oz diced guanciale and cook slowly for 6-7 minutes until crisp but not browned, stirring occasionally until edges are golden.
- Step 3: Whisk 3 egg yolks, 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, and 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl until smooth. Remove skillet from heat, add drained spaghetti, and toss vigorously for 1 minute until coating.
- Step 4: Immediately add 1/2 cup reserved pasta water to the skillet, then pour in the egg yolk mixture while tossing constantly until sauce thickens and clings to strands (about 2 minutes). Add more pasta water if needed to reach creamy consistency.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does 1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover 1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in 1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale 1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with 1920s Martin Guitar Spaghetti Carbonara?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
