True Roman Spaghetti Carbonara
A dish that celebrates simplicity and quality ingredients, where the creamy sauce is made from eggs and cheese, not cream, and the guanciale is the star. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 35 minutes pairs spaghetti, guanciale, eggs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 4 oz guanciale
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- for pasta water salt
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil; add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook 4 oz guanciale until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano, and 1/4 cup black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale, tossing to coat the pasta in the rendered fat, then remove the skillet from heat.
- Step 5: Quickly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta, stirring constantly for 1 minute until the sauce thickens and coats the strands, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time until creamy.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with extra Pecorino and black pepper on top.
Frequently asked questions
How long does True Roman 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 True Roman 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 True Roman 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 True Roman Spaghetti 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 True Roman 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Kids gobbled it up without complaints — that's a 5-star in my book.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
