Go Back
+ servings
A beautifully plated Traditional Carbonara Recipe, featuring spaghetti coated in a creamy Pecorino Romano and black pepper sauce, topped with delicate folds of prosciutto. The dish is served on a rustic ceramic plate, highlighting the rich, authentic flavors of classic Italian cuisine.

Easy Traditional Carbonara Recipe

This authentic Traditional Carbonara Recipe features perfectly cooked spaghetti in a silky, egg-based sauce, enriched with crispy guanciale and Pecorino Romano cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Roman pasta dish proves that a few quality ingredients can create extraordinary flavors.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Traditional Carbonara Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Calories: 649kcal
Cost: $15

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or tongs
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cheese grater
  • Colander

Ingredients

  • 1 pound 450g spaghetti or rigatoni
  • 6 ounces 170g guanciale, diced
  • 4 large eggs 2 whole eggs plus 2 yolks
  • cups 150g freshly grated Pecorino Romano
  • 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt for pasta water

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to boil
  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and 1 cup Pecorino Romano
  • Cut guanciale into ¼-inch thick strips
  • Cook guanciale until crispy (8-10 minutes)
  • Cook pasta until al dente
  • Reserve 1½ cups pasta water
  • Add hot pasta to guanciale
  • Temper egg mixture with ½ cup pasta water
  • Toss pasta with egg mixture off heat
  • Add remaining cheese and pepper
  • Adjust consistency with pasta water
  • Serve immediately

Notes

  • Best served immediately
  • Temperature control is crucial
  • Never add eggs while on heat
  • Use freshest ingredients possible

Nutrition

Calories: 649kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: -1g | Cholesterol: 225mg | Sodium: 850mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 280IU | Calcium: 320mg | Iron: 3.2mg