Carbonara is made with guanciale (cured pork), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, spaghetti pasta, and lots of black pepper. Italians don't add extra ingredients like cream, milk, garlic, or onions. Try this recipe if you want to make an authentic, creamy carbonara that comes straight from Italy, where I live. Buon appetito!
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 pound guanciale , cured pork cheek
- 1 package spaghetti , 16 ounce
- 3 large eggs
- 10 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese , divided
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
-
1
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat; add guanciale (see Cook's Note). Cook, turning occasionally, until evenly browned and crispy, 5 to 10 minutes. Remove from heat and drain on paper towels.
-
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, about 9 minutes. Drain and return to the pot. Let cool, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes.
-
3
Whisk eggs, 1/2 of the Pecorino Romano cheese, and some black pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
-
4
Pour egg mixture over pasta, stirring quickly, until creamy and slightly cooled. Stir in guanciale.
-
5
Top with remaining Pecorino Romano cheese and more black pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
Want to cook this?
Open in the PantryLink app to scale servings, check your pantry stock, and generate a shopping list.
Sign In to Save Recipe Create Free AccountSuggest an Edit
Help improve this recipe's categorization, image, or dietary info. Earn points and badges!
Suggest Changes in AppPrefer a printed copy? Use our print-friendly view with adjustable servings and font size.
Open Print ViewMore Unknown Recipes
Cheesy Zucchini Rice
This cheesy zucchini rice is just what the title promises, and so buttery, so cheesy, and so good that there's never any left when I serve it.
Homemade Sweet Italian Sausage (Mild or Hot)
This Italian sausage recipe is easy and versatile. Follow directions for sausage patties, or use the meat mixture in spaghetti sauce or meatballs. You can take it from mild to hot by adjusting the spices, and can substitute ground turkey or ground chuck — just not ground beef! If using turkey, you'll have to coat your skillet with a little oil before cooking the sausage as turkey has very little fat and the sausage might stick to the skillet without it.
Great Apple and Carrot Muffins
Very moist and good for you too! I adapted this recipe from a cake recipe, so it's yummy, but also quite healthy.