Nonna's Authentic Spaghetti alla Carbonara

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

A traditional Roman dish celebrating simplicity, featuring al dente pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy guanciale — no cream, just pure, authentic Italian technique. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, guanciale, large eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 780 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 780 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot; add 1 tbsp salt and 12 oz spaghetti, then cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano, 1/4 cup Parmesan, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth and pale yellow.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 4 oz guanciale; cook until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool for 1 minute.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale and toss to coat, then immediately pour in the egg mixture while stirring vigorously to prevent scrambling; add 2 tbsp reserved pasta water and continue tossing for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the strands without curdling.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with additional Pecorino Romano and black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Nonna's Authentic Spaghetti alla 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 Nonna's Authentic 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 Nonna's Authentic 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 Nonna's Authentic Spaghetti alla Carbonara for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Nonna's Authentic 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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