Elevate your pasta night with Spaghetti Alla Carbonara, also known as Charcoal Maker’s Spaghetti, a timeless Italian classic that balances simplicity and indulgence. This creamy, silky pasta dish features tender al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious sauce made from rich egg yolks, savory Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano), and a generous crack of freshly ground black pepper. Crispy pancetta (or guanciale) adds smoky depth, while a touch of reserved pasta water creates the perfect velvety texture without cream. Ready in just 30 minutes, this quick yet elegant recipe is perfect for a weeknight treat or an impressive dinner party centerpiece. Finish it off with a sprinkle of cheese and pepper for an authentic taste of Rome!
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.
While the spaghetti is cooking, prepare the pancetta by cutting it into small strips or cubes.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once warm, add the pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Once the spaghetti is cooked, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the rest of the water and immediately transfer the hot spaghetti into the skillet with the pancetta.
Working quickly, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta and toss vigorously to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently without scrambling them.
If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and additional black pepper if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.
Serving size | (742.6g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 1971.3 |
Total Fat 116.4g | 0% |
Saturated Fat 46.6g | 0% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
Cholesterol 914.4mg | 0% |
Sodium 6040.0mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 132.4g | 0% |
Dietary Fiber 8.3g | 0% |
Total Sugars 4.1g | |
Protein 91.1g | 0% |
Vitamin D 94.6IU | 0% |
Calcium 1348.3mg | 0% |
Iron 11.3mg | 0% |
Potassium 704.9mg | 0% |
Source of Calories