Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta
A rich Italian pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, creamy egg yolks, and Parmesan, tossed with al dente spaghetti. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, pancetta, large eggs 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 oz spaghetti
- 8 oz pancetta
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 8 oz diced pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy, rendering fat.
- Step 3: Whisk 4 egg yolks, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl until smooth. Remove skillet from heat.
- Step 4: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in pancetta fat. Gradually stir in the egg yolk mixture, adding 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta 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 Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta?
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 Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta?
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 Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta 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 Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta?
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
- ★★★★★
So much better than takeout. We'll never order italian delivery again.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
