Gmail-Verified Spaghetti Carbonara
A velvety carbonara made without cream, where egg yolks and cheese create a rich sauce that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, egg yolks, grated Pecorino Romano cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 750 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 egg yolks
- 1/2 cup, grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 4 oz, diced guanciale
- 1 tsp, freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 1 tablespoon salt. Cook 12 ounces spaghetti for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces diced guanciale and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy and golden, then remove from heat.
- Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti with the guanciale in the skillet, then immediately add the egg yolk mixture while tossing continuously. Add 2 tablespoons reserved pasta water and continue tossing for 1 minute until the sauce coats the pasta and the yolks are just set.
- Step 5: If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until creamy. Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Gmail-Verified Spaghetti Carbonara take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Gmail-Verified 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 Gmail-Verified 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 Gmail-Verified 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 Gmail-Verified 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
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★☆☆☆
Followed exactly and it was underwhelming. Maybe my expectations were too high.
