Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe for Beginners

Spaghetti carbonara is like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, dreamy, and utterly satisfying. The moment you twirl that fork into the perfectly cooked noodles, you know you’re in for a treat.

Every family has that one dish that brings everyone together. For us, it’s spaghetti carbonara! This recipe has been passed down through generations, each adding their own twist. Whether it’s a casual Tuesday night or a fancy Friday dinner party, this dish manages to make every occasion feel special.

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I vividly remember my first attempt at making spaghetti carbonara; my family was so impressed they asked for seconds—and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Spaghetti: Use high-quality dried spaghetti; it holds up beautifully when tossed with sauce.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs are crucial; they provide richness and create that signature creamy texture.
• Pecorino Romano Cheese: Grate it fresh for maximum flavor; its salty bite elevates this dish significantly.
• Pancetta or Guanciale: Choose pancetta for its rich flavor; it adds depth to the overall taste.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked pepper is essential; it gives the dish a delightful kick.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens up the dish visually and adds freshness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil over high heat. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Sauté Pancetta or Guanciale: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook until crispy; this usually takes about 4-5 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined. This should be creamy but not too thick.

Toss Everything Together: Drain the spaghetti but reserve some cooking water. Quickly add hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta while off heat. Pour in egg mixture and stir vigorously to coat.

Add Cooking Water as Needed: If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired creaminess is achieved. Keep stirring until everything looks silky smooth.

Garnish & Serve!: Sprinkle generously with freshly cracked black pepper and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while still warm for optimal enjoyment.

Now you have made an impressive spaghetti carbonara! Enjoy every bite while basking in your culinary glory.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling water while you prep your ingredients. Cook your spaghetti until al dente, then toss it directly into the sauce for maximum flavor absorption.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ingredients! Add grilled chicken or sautéed veggies for a twist. You can even replace traditional cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on low heat in a pan, adding a splash of water to revive its creamy texture.

I remember the first time I tried making spaghetti carbonara; my family was floored by its rich flavor and simplicity. It sparked my passion for cooking!

FAQ

What type of cheese is best for spaghetti carbonara?

Pecorino Romano is traditional, but Parmesan works well too.

Can I make spaghetti carbonara without eggs?

Yes! Try using silken tofu blended into a creamy consistency as an alternative.

How do I prevent clumping in my pasta?

Make sure to stir frequently and add olive oil while cooking to keep it loose.

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Delicious Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

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• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

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Description

Delight in this creamy spaghetti carbonara recipe that brings comfort and flavor to your table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

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• 200g dried spaghetti
• 2 large eggs
• 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 100g diced turkey bacon
• Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. 1. Boil salted water in a large pot, add spaghetti, and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced turkey bacon until crispy, about 4-5 minutes.
3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano until well combined.
4. 4. Add the hot drained spaghetti to the skillet with the turkey bacon off the heat. Quickly pour in the egg mixture and stir vigorously to coat the pasta evenly.
5. 5. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
6. 6. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

•  To enhance flavor, use high-quality ingredients like fresh eggs and authentic cheese.
• For a twist, substitute pancetta with grilled chicken or sautéed vegetables.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 210mg