Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara

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

A genuine Roman dish featuring silky egg and cheese sauce clinging to al dente spaghetti, without cream. Pancetta adds smoky depth to this authentic Italian classic. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs Spaghetti, Pancetta, Pecorino Romano cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 610 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: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 610 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 oz diced pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crisp and golden, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Add drained spaghetti to the skillet with pancetta, and toss vigorously to coat. Slowly pour in the egg yolk mixture while continuously tossing over low heat for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens and coats strands, adding reserved pasta water 1 tbsp at a time as needed to achieve creaminess.
  5. Step 5: Season with salt to taste, then serve immediately with extra grated cheese and black pepper.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Spaghetti 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 Traditional 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 Traditional 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 Traditional 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 Traditional 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.

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