• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
All Our Way
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Wild Game
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
×
Home » Recipes » Pasta ,Pizza, Gnocchi

Classic Roman Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Published: Jun 8, 2019 · Modified: Aug 7, 2022 by Marisa Franca · 47 Comments

Jump to Recipe

Once you've tasted the classic Roman Spaghetti alla Carbonara you'll never forget the experience. This recipe shows you how to correctly balance the cheese, eggs, pork and pasta. When you are craving comfort food, NOTHING cures you like creamy pasta carbonara. The secret is in the way you handle the hot pasta and eggs and we'll share that secret with you. 

For this recipe you will need: guanciale or pancetta, garlic, red pepper flakes, olive oil, dry white wine, eggs, Pecorino romano cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, coarsely ground black pepper, sea salt, fresh flat leaf parsley, spaghetti. 

A white plate filled with egg sauce coated pasta with bits of pork on top and some parley leaves.

Key to Spaghetti alla Carbonara

The key to this spectacular dish is its rich ingredients:

  • eggs
  • egg yolks
  • two different cheese
  • the spiciness of two kinds of pepper
  • crispy, salty pan-fried nuggets of guanciale -- Italian salt-cured pig jowl, or pancetta -- salt-cured Italian bacon.

Your first taste will have your eyes lifting up to heaven because a taste so divine couldn't be of this earth.

The simplicity of this recipe reminds me of the Stracciatella Alla Romana recipe. So easy to make and yet so good. 

Arch of constantine, Rome, Italy, front, Colosseum , pasta alla carbonara
Arch of Constantine Rome Italy

Every Italian region wants pasta carbonara credit

Since the pasta alla carbonara dish is so delicious, everyone wants credit for the original recipe. Most of the time it's attributed to the cucina romana.

Some of the theories surrounding pasta alla carbonara

  1. Competing theories give credit to the woodcutters in the Apennine mountains of the Abruzzo, and also coal workers because " alla carbonara" means coal worker's style.
  2. Another theory credits the food shortages during World War II. During the war, the Allied troops in Rome distributed military rations of powdered eggs and bacon. The story goes that the clever Romans used these ingredients to make the dish.
  3. Another credit goes to the Lazio region where pasta is seasoned with eggs, lard, and pecorino cheese.
  4. The simplest and most believable story is that this type of dish always existed at a family level and at the local osterie (simple Italian restaurants, usually inexpensive) because the ingredients are simple and not impossible to obtain.

Pasta alla Carbonara Belongs to Rustic Italian Cuisine

Spaghetti with pancetta bits on a white plate with a salad in background.
Spaghetti Alla Carbonara a pasta dish with a rich sauce.

It doesn't matter where spaghetti alla carbonara started, it's an important part of the rustic Italian cuisine and everyone can claim it.

The traditional carbonara recipe calls for the guanciale but it might be hard to find so a good substitute is the pancetta.

If you decide to use bacon, be sure it isn't smoked . . . smoked bacon will overpower the delicate flavor of this dish.

Although you may find some recipes may add cream to the sauce, an authentic carbonara sauce recipe does not use heavy cream. The combination of eggs, cheese, and pasta water combine to make a creamy, silky sauce that doesn't need that cream. 

Tips for Making Creamy Spaghetti Alla Carbonara

Pasta water should be salty. 

For  a full pound of pasta you should add a heaping tablespoon of salt. This is what gives the spaghetti or whatever pasta you use taste. 

Save some pasta water. 

Whenever you cook pasta always save some of the starchy cooking water. You will need some of this water to make the creamy sauce for the pasta carbonara. This tip is also useful whenever making any type of pasta with sauce. 

Toss the pasta in the guanciale or pancetta fat. 

Once you cook the meat keep the fat in the pan and toss the pasta in it. You want the pasta to be lightly coated by the fat. 

Turn off the heat when adding the eggs.

After tossing the spaghetti in the pancetta or guanciale oil, remove the skillet from the heat and add a couple of teaspoonfuls of the pasta water to it so that the bottom of the pan isn't dry. 

Stir in the egg, Parmesan mixture and keep tossing the pasta until the eggs begin to thicken and turn to a smooth custard. Stirring keeps the eggs from curdling while the heat from the pan and the pasta cooks the eggs. 

Season the pasta alla carbonara

Season with coarsely ground black pepper and generously sprinkle with Italian parsley. Serve immediately. 

We hope you make this pasta alla carbonara recipe for you and your family. We're sure you'll consider this recipe a keeper.

If you love classic Italian pasta dishes, you'll love our Classic Tagliolini al Limone recipe.

Tutti a tavola è pronto

Un caro saluto e alla prossima.

YOU MAY NEED...

The following are affiliate inks. As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

This is just the type of measuring cup that is great to have for all purposes. There is nothing more frustrating than to have a liquid measuring cup that won't pour. So many times we start to pour a liquid and it dribbles instead. The V-spout makes sure you pour without spilling. 

Glass measuring cup with pour spout.
Black cast iron skillet on a red and white checkered tea towel full of spaghetti with green parsley sprinkled on top.

Classic Roman Spaghetti Alla Carbonara 

Pasta carbonara is all about balancing eggs, cheese, pork, and pasta. The sauce is rich and creamy and so good you'll be craving more. Yes, it is comfort food at its finest. The eggs act as an emulsifier that binds the fat from the pork to the sauce so that it is velvety smooth and creamy. 

If you like this recipe, please consider giving it a 5-star rating. 

📖 Recipe

A white plate filled with egg sauce coated pasta with bits of pork on top and some parley leaves.

Classic Roman Spaghetti alla Carbonara

A delicious pasta made with eggs and cheese that turn into a rich sauce. The sauce is flavored with crispy, salty bits of guanciale or pancetta.
5 from 37 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: main dish
Cuisine: Italian
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 1112kcal
Author: Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
As An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Equipment Needed

  • Measuring Spoons
  • Large Pot or Spaghetti Pot
  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Box Grater or Microplane
  • Whisk
  • Dutch Oven or Deep Iron Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Heatproof Liquid Measuring Cup
  • Colander
  • Tongs

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. spaghetti or 1 lb. rigatoni pasta
  • ¼ c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
  • 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced
  • 8 oz. guanciale or pancetta cubed in small ¼" cubes
  • ½ c. dry white wine
  • 4 fresh large eggs --warm to room temperature -- separate two of the eggs and use just the yolks saving the whites for another use
  • ½ c. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese freshly grated
  • ½ c. Pecorino cheese freshly grated
  • Coarsely ground black pepper -- q.b. quanto basta -- or to your taste
  • Sea salt
  • Fresh flat leaf Italian parsley-- use a generous amount coarsely chopped

Instructions

  • Break the two eggs into a bowl, adding the yolks and both cheeses.Whisk to blend well, set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Generously salt the boiling water, add the pasta and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet, add the olive oil and the guanciale or pancetta, sauté until just starting to brown about 2 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook another 2-3 minutes more. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half. Set aside but keep warm.
  • When pasta is done, reserve about 1 cup of the water then drain the pasta and add the pasta to the large skillet and toss with the meat in the pan.
  • From the 1 cup of reserved water take ½ cup and slowly pour into the egg mixture while stirring briskly. This tempers the eggs and prevents them from scrambling when you add them to the hot pasta.
  • Pour the egg mixture over the pasta and toss rapidly to coat the pasta with the sauce. This is best done with tongs. If the sauce seems too thick then add a little more of the pasta water to get the consistency you like.
  • Season with coarsely ground black pepper and sprinkle generously with the Italian parsley.

Notes

  • The heat from the pan and the pasta helps to cook the eggs.
  • Short pasta such as the rigatoni makes it easier to toss with the sauce.
  • This is a wonderful dish to serve to guests -- believe me there won't be any leftovers.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 1112kcal | Carbohydrates: 89g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 58g | Saturated Fat: 21g | Cholesterol: 251mg | Sodium: 1295mg | Potassium: 532mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 980IU | Vitamin C: 0.7mg | Calcium: 727mg | Iron: 3.3mg

Sign up for the emails and never miss another recipe!!

    Powered By ConvertKit
    We'll never share your email or send you spam. Promise
    First Published: March 09,2014... Last Updated: June 08, 2019

    Note: Recipes and content from ©2014-2019 are copyright protected. Please do not use content or recipe without prior written permission. If you want to share the information please link to this post. Grazie!

    SaveSave

    SaveSave

    Pin
    Share
    Tweet
    Share

    More Pasta ,Pizza, Gnocchi

    • Italian Focaccia flatbread made into a Margherita pizza with mozzarella and a light marinara sauce.
      Focaccia Pizza
    • A skillet filled with cheese tortellini covered in a creamy sauce with spinach and tomatoes.
      One Pot Three Cheese Tortellini
    • Thin tagliatelle pasta mixed with smoked salmon with fresh dill garnish.
      Tagliatelle al Salmone
    • A white bowl filled with French Onion Spaghetti made with a viral TikTok recipe.
      French Onion Pasta

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Neha

      September 30, 2019 at 8:36 am

      Wow this pasta carbonara looks so good. Loving the seasonings and all your tips. It's time that I try this one at home!

      Reply
    2. Jess

      September 30, 2019 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      What a delicious pasta dish! It looks and sounds like it's perfectly seasoned! I can't wait to try it out! YUM!

      Reply
    3. Amanda

      September 29, 2019 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a great recipe! It's so quick and easy to whip up yet such a decadent meal all at the same time. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    4. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness

      September 28, 2019 at 5:24 pm

      5 stars
      There is no pasta that I do not like.
      I don't think I have ever tried pasta alla carbonara, but it is now on my to-do list!!

      Reply
      • Marisa Franca

        September 29, 2019 at 3:39 pm

        Hello, Cathleen! you won't regret making it.

        Reply
    5. Leslie

      September 28, 2019 at 1:51 pm

      Gosh, I truly love your advice on this wonderful, classic dish! Your insight and wisdom is much appreciated!

      Reply
      • Marisa Franca

        September 28, 2019 at 1:56 pm

        Thank you, Leslie! And I always appreciate people taking the time to comment. xoxo

        Reply
    6. Tammy

      September 27, 2019 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      Spaghetti Carbonara is one of my favorite dishes...it's simple yet so comforting! This looks fantastic!

      Reply
    7. Elaine Benoit

      September 24, 2019 at 10:45 am

      5 stars
      I love carbonara and one of the things I lament over is my hubby doesn't like pepper. But, he's going on a business trip and my sister is coming for dinner so I'm going to make your delicious recipe!! Yay!

      Reply
    8. Veena Azmanov

      September 23, 2019 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      Simple, flavorful and delicious. My family loves such meal options.

      Reply
    9. Lizzy

      September 23, 2019 at 5:22 pm

      What a classic and elegant dinner. I always forget how easy carbonara can be to whip up. And I probably have all the ingredients at home already! Sounds like I'll be making this very soon.

      Reply
    10. Dee | Grammy's Grid

      August 03, 2019 at 3:12 am

      5 stars
      Thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 40!

      Reply
    11. Dana

      June 26, 2019 at 12:53 pm

      5 stars
      This sounds so easy! I've always wanted to make pasta alla carbonara from scratch, but using raw eggs always sort of freaked me out. But the way this is explained makes it way less intimidating. I can't wait to try it!

      Reply
    12. Trish Bozeman

      June 26, 2019 at 10:10 am

      5 stars
      I've actually never had spaghetti carbonara but I've always wanted to make it! Thanks for making an approachable recipe. A must make!

      Reply
    13. Sean@Diversivore

      June 24, 2019 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      Carbonara is MAGIC. I love making it, and seeing just how the heat of the past transforms the eggs and cheese into silky smooth deliciousness. It's one of my favourite things. I'm lucky enough to have access to guanciale, but it's awesome with good pancetta too (and maybe even a bit easier to like for some - guanciale definitely has a stronger 'pork' taste). I've never made it with white wine though! I'm very curious about this variation, and I'll have to give it a shot! Cheers.

      Reply
    14. Carmy

      June 21, 2019 at 6:25 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love pasta to the moon and back. I'm always shocked when people would dump their pasta water out and I'm like NO SAVE IT FOR THE PASTA! It's where all the goodness is 😉 Definitely will have to try your carbonara recipe. Thanks for breaking it down.

      Reply
    15. Sandra Shaffer

      June 21, 2019 at 2:02 pm

      5 stars
      This brings back memories from when my kids were little. This was and still is their favorite pasta dish. simple, but sure is loaded with flavor. Great tip on turning off the heat when adding the egg. Perfect every time!

      Reply
    16. Daniela

      June 19, 2019 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Pasta alla Carbonara is one of my favorite Italian pasta dishes, so I was very excited to see this post. I really appreciate all the tips you give in it. For example, I have never thought about tossing the pasta in the pancetta fat but that sounds like a great idea! I can't wait to try this version!

      Reply
    17. Debra

      June 18, 2019 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea Carbonara had eggs in it! That explains so much. Now we won't have to go to a restaurant for this deliciousness. Love the historical perspective as well.

      Reply
    18. Gloria

      June 17, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      5 stars
      I am a pasta lover. I could eat it everyday!! This sounds amazing. I know hubby would love this too. Classic recipes are the best. I will bring the wine. What time is dinner.

      Reply
    19. Liz Cleland

      June 17, 2019 at 11:20 am

      You honestly had me at pasta! This looks so good I can't wait to try it out!!

      Reply
    20. Natalie

      June 17, 2019 at 5:37 am

      5 stars
      I love carbonara. It's on our family menu like all the time. It's super simple and so delicious. I love the addition of wine. I will definitely give this a try. Sounds so delicious.

      Reply
    21. Neha

      June 17, 2019 at 12:05 am

      5 stars
      Carbonara is one of my most favorite flavors and I can't get over how simple and quick this recipe sounds. Making this one your way real soon!

      Reply
    22. Charity

      June 16, 2019 at 9:55 pm

      5 stars
      My husband and I LOVE carbonara (we fight to be the one to order it at a restaurant) but we've never made it at home! Need to try this recipe stat!

      Reply
    23. Amanda

      June 16, 2019 at 4:22 pm

      5 stars
      Carbonara is easily one of my favorite pasta sauces, and I love how quick and easy this recipe is! It's so delicious and perfect for company. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    24. Sara

      June 16, 2019 at 3:32 pm

      5 stars
      Carbonara is one of our FAVORITE pasta dishes! So simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. I love your tips here, too!

      Reply
    25. Lois Christensen

      June 16, 2019 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yummy! I really need to learn how to make this recipe!

      Reply
    26. Ashton Max

      June 16, 2019 at 2:22 am

      5 stars
      YUM! I love the combination of flavors and colors. Healthy, filling, and delicious. Can’t wait to try this recipe, I know my family will love it!

      Reply
    27. Jenni LeBaron

      June 15, 2019 at 6:47 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely love spaghetti carbonara! It's such a rich and delicious dish worthy of a special occasion. I can't wait to try your version of the recipe because it looks fantastic!

      Reply
    28. Julie

      June 14, 2019 at 3:26 pm

      Fun fact: if your pasta water is actually as salty as the ocean, it would be pretty disgusting. ???? A gallon of ocean water contains roughly 7.5 tablespoons of salt! Can you imagine adding that much salt to cook pasta?! Most people vastly under salt their pasta water, but I always laugh when I hear the phrase "pasta water should be as salty as the sea."

      Reply
      • Marisa Franca

        June 16, 2019 at 7:49 am

        Ciao, Julie!! I know - that is funny.???? The saying is an exageration so that people add a bit more salt to the water than just a shake.

        Reply
    29. Arlene Mobley

      June 14, 2019 at 10:07 am

      5 stars
      I'm drooling over here! We love Italian and this is going to be served up soon!

      Reply
    30. Jordan

      June 14, 2019 at 8:56 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my all time favorite Italian meals but I've never tried making it at home. Hopefully I can handle your awesome directions and not mess it up! It looks divine.

      Reply
    31. Anne Lawton

      June 14, 2019 at 6:58 am

      5 stars
      I love pasta carbonara but have not made it at home. Thanks for sharing this recipe and your tips, I think I will give it a try real soon!

      Reply
    32. Mama Maggie's Kitchen

      June 13, 2019 at 7:02 pm

      5 stars
      This dish looks SO deliciously good. I wish I could eat that right now!

      Reply
    33. Denise

      June 12, 2019 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      this look so delicious and flavorful, perfect comfort food. And surprisingly easy to make!

      Reply
    34. Veena Azmanov

      June 12, 2019 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      Delicious, cheesy and a perfect Dinner option any day.

      Reply
    35. Sharon

      June 11, 2019 at 1:40 pm

      5 stars
      This pasta dish looks so creamy and decadent. Would be perfect for date night or a special dinner party. Looks great!

      Reply
    36. Jolina

      June 11, 2019 at 12:11 pm

      5 stars
      I'm not surprised the regions want to claim carbonara as their own. It's delicious! I like making carbonara though whether my eggs curdle is a hit or miss. Thanks for your tips! I can't wait to try them out.

      Reply
    37. Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

      June 10, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      We are pasta lovers in our house. This along with a nice glass of wine beats going out to dinner any night of the week. I know hubby will be thrilled when I make this for dinner tonight.

      Reply
    38. giancarlo cenciarini

      June 10, 2019 at 12:28 pm

      Great Franca.You got the talent to improve even the great classic dishes.Did you learn from your mamy? What school did you go?You should do a book instead of sharing with us. I used to make guanciale and pancetta,but gave me colesterol.I buy Costco loin and make lonzino and sausages ,no fat. Arrivederci.Buona giornata and keep them coming. Giancarlo.

      Reply
      • Marisa Franca

        June 10, 2019 at 4:12 pm

        Ciao, Giancarlo! Sei molto gentile, grazie! I enjoy sharing recipes and talking abut delicious Italian food. I'd certainly love to taste your lonzino and sausages. I know they must be delicious!! Alla prossima!!

        Reply
    39. Kylie | Midwest Foodie

      June 10, 2019 at 11:32 am

      5 stars
      I have always wanted to make carbonara but have felt like it's too complicated. This post has made me realize that I can confidently make this at home. Can't wait to try it this weekend when we have friends over!

      Reply
    40. Jovina Coughlin

      June 09, 2019 at 2:58 pm

      I love Carbonara. I think it is my favorite pasta.

      Reply
      • Marisa Franca

        June 09, 2019 at 3:02 pm

        I know what you mean, Jovina!

        Reply
    41. Thistle

      March 12, 2014 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my favorite dishes! I order it all the time in different restaurants!

      Thanks so much for the delicious recipe!

      Happy day to you friend!
      karianne

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Pasta Verde {Green Pasta} A Delicious Welcome to Spring says:
      January 13, 2020 at 10:28 am

      […] Pasta Carbonara […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    I’m Marisa Franca, a home chef, food writer, and photographer who believes that you can make gourmet quality food at home with simple seasonal ingredients. I’m passionate about family, food, friends, everything Italian, and happy endings.

    More about me →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

    🍁Cozy Autumn Favorites

    • A white plate filled with Johnny Marzetti casserole with a sprinkle of parsley on top.
      Johnny Marzetti Casserole
    • White Lasagna made with cheese ravioli and layered with delicious béchamel sauce with cheese.
      White Lasagna Ravioli
    • A cast iron skillet holding the Beefy Ravioli Bake with torn basil leaves sprinkled on top.
      Beefy Baked Ravioli
    • A large skillet filled with cheese ravioli with pumpkin cream sauce and topped with roasted chopped hazelnuts and fried sage leaves.
      Ravioli With Pumpkin Pasta Sauce

    💨 Chill Chasing Soups

    • Closeup of a white ceramic bowl filled with a vegetable hamburger soup with potatoes.
      Hamburger Soup With Vegetables
    • A white bowl filled with chicken lentil soup a Mediterranean dish.
      Chicken Lentil Soup
    • Closeup of potato soup.
      Copycat Outback Potato Soup Recipe
    • An overhead view of a bowl filled with Tuscan Sausage Kale soup on a white table and kale leaves sprinkled around the bowl.
      Tuscan White Bean Soup

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • About
    • Accessibility

    Newsletter

    • Subscribe for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 All Our Way