How to Make Authentic Carbonara Pasta | Fast and Easy

guanciale

🥗Healthier: pancetta

💰Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta and bacon are more accessible alternatives with similar flavors.

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan and Grana Padano offer a similar taste profile at a lower cost.

eggs

🥗Healthier: egg whites

💰Cheaper: tofu

Egg whites reduce cholesterol, while tofu provides a vegan option.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is budget-friendly.

Boil a pot of water and season with salt.

Add pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.

While the pasta is cooking, crack 2 whole eggs and separate 5 egg yolks into a mixing bowl.

Add grated Parmesan cheese and grated Pecorino Romano cheese to the eggs and yolks, along with black pepper, and whisk together until smooth.

Cut bacon into half-inch pieces.

Place bacon in a large skillet over medium heat and cook until crispy, stirring to ensure even cooking.

Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before straining the pasta.

Once the bacon is crispy, remove some of the bacon oil from the skillet but leave some grease in the pan.

Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the bacon.

Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water and mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens