Chef John's Spaghetti alla Carbonara

4.6

(270)

214 Reviews

46 Photos

Spaghetti alla carbonara's creamy sauce is simply a thin egg and cheese custard, spiked with pork and black pepper. Try to find pancetta or guanciale (pork cheek cured like pancetta) for a really authentic taste!

By

John Mitzewich

Updated on October 22, 2023

46

Prep Time:

5 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Total Time:

25 mins

Servings:

2

Yield:

2 servings

Jump to Nutrition Facts

Ingredients

4 ounces guanciale, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
2 eggs
3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
6 ounces spaghetti
1 cup reserved pasta water
3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Directions

Cook guanciale with olive oil and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Whisk eggs, 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
Pour reserved pasta water and drained spaghetti into the bacon-pepper mixture; stir to combine.
Slowly pour egg mixture into the pasta mixture; cook, stirring constantly until the egg mixture forms a thick sauce, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Stir remaining 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese into the pasta mixture and serve.

Recipe Tip

You can substitute pancetta for the guanciale, or if you're in a pinch, use bacon.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

688	Calories
30g	Fat
66g	Carbs
36g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 2
Calories 688
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 30g	39%
Saturated Fat 11g	57%
Cholesterol 220mg	73%
Sodium 984mg	43%
Total Carbohydrate 66g	24%
Dietary Fiber 3g	11%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 36g	73%
Vitamin C 0mg	0%
Calcium 460mg	35%
Iron 5mg	27%
Potassium 414mg	9%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

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