Authentic Nonna's Spaghetti alla Carbonara

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 spaghetti, guanciale, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 ounces spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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 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.

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