Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla Carbonara
A Roman classic where eggs and cheese create a creamy sauce without cream, using only guanciale and Pecorino. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs ounces spaghetti, ounces guanciale, grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 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 ounces spaghetti
- 4 ounces guanciale
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 12 ounces spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, fry 4 ounces diced guanciale in a skillet over medium heat for 6 minutes until crisp and golden, then remove and set aside, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in the pan.
- Step 3: Whisk 2 large eggs, 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a bowl until smooth, then toss with drained spaghetti and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water until a creamy sauce coats the strands, adding more pasta water if needed until glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla Carbonara take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 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 Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla 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 ounces spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla 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 Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla 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 Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla 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
- ★★★★★
Made this for my family and everyone asked for the recipe.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 20-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
