Italian Spaghetti alla Carbonara

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

Creamy, rich, and loaded with egg yolks and pecorino, this classic Roman pasta dish delivers authentic Italian flavor. This italian-inspired quick meals ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, guanciale, egg yolks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: In a skillet, cook guanciale over medium heat until crispy, about 5 minutes. Add egg yolks and stir until thickened and glossy.
  3. Step 3: Toss pasta into skillet, adding pasta water as needed to bind the sauce. Stir in pecorino and black pepper until coated. Garnish with parsley.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Italian Spaghetti alla Carbonara take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 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 Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian 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 Italian Spaghetti alla Carbonara?

Italian quick meals 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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