Simple Pastas: Spaghetti Carbonara

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan is lower in fat and Grana Padano is often less expensive.

guanciale

🥗Healthier: bacon

💰Cheaper: pancetta

Bacon is more widely available and pancetta is a budget-friendly alternative.

Begin by boiling water in a large pot and adding salt.

Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.

In a frying pan, add a little oil and cook pancetta until crispy, then add chopped onion and cook until softened.

Reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti.

Combine the hot spaghetti with the crispy pancetta and onion in the frying pan.

Temper the egg yolks by adding a bit of reserved pasta water to them slowly to prevent scrambling.

Remove the frying pan from heat and add the tempered egg yolks to the pasta, stirring to create a creamy sauce.

Add chopped scallions for freshness and mix well.

Finish with grated Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper, adjusting to taste.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens