The Best Spaghetti Carbonara

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

A creamy, indulgent pasta dish made with pancetta, egg yolks, and Parmesan, tossed in a rich sauce. This italian-inspired mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti, diced pancetta, large egg yolks for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. Add egg yolks, Parmesan, and black pepper. Toss quickly for 2-3 minutes until the yolks emulsify into a creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a smooth consistency.
  4. Step 4: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Season with salt if needed. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does The Best Spaghetti Carbonara take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best 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 The Best Spaghetti Carbonara?

Italian mexican 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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