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
Roasted Yams
Sliced yams are baked in a hot oven until tender and crispy for a yummy side dish to your meal. These roasted yams pair best with turkey, chicken, steak, or mild fish.
Scrambled Eggs, Cheese, and Avocado Tortilla Bowl
Scrambled eggs and cheese topped with sea salt-dusted avocados all in a tortilla shell bowl. Paprika and salsa optional. Yummy protein-packed breakfast! Easy to change to ingredients for your health and taste preferences.
Sheet Pan Za'atar Chicken Thighs and Vegetables
This sheet pan za'atar chicken thighs and vegetables is a great introduction to the flavor of za'atar, a warm spice blend from the Middle East, usually a combination of sesame seeds, sumac, thyme, and oregano, and possibly sea salt. Chicken thighs roast on a bed of zucchini, yellow summer squash, red bell pepper, and red onion, and if you like, cherry tomatoes. If you already know you love za'atar, feel free to add more!