Why Spaghetti Carbonara Is a Must-Try Recipe

• Weeknight superhero made in under 30 minutes
• Super short ingredient list with pantry staples
• Restaurant-worthy rich, silky, and velvety pasta dinner

What Is Spaghetti Carbonara?

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish made with a few simple ingredients—eggs, guanciale or bacon, hard cheese like Parmesan or Pecorino Romano, and black pepper. The result is a creamy, savory sauce without using any cream!

Spaghetti Carbonara vs Alfredo: What’s the Difference?

Carbonara gets its creamy texture from eggs and cheese, making it lighter and more savory. Alfredo, on the other hand, is made with heavy cream and butter, resulting in a much richer, denser sauce.

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Add garlic (if using) and sauté for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat.
3. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and grated cheese until smooth. Season with black pepper.
4. Immediately add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon. Quickly pour in the egg mixture and toss vigorously to coat the pasta, adding pasta water a little at a time until a creamy sauce forms.
5. Serve hot, topped with more grated cheese, black pepper, and chopped parsley.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 23g
• Sodium: 560mg