How to Make Skillet 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.

Mix equal parts of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Cook 2 oz of guanciale or pancetta in a frying pan to render the fat.

Pour off the excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.

If not enough fat is rendered, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

In a large pot, combine 4.5 cups of water and bring to a boil.

Add the bronze dye extruded pasta to the boiling water and cook just shy of al dente.

Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.

Add half of the cheese mixture to the pasta along with the reserved starchy liquid and toss to combine.

Add the remaining cheese in two batches, tossing to ensure it melts into the sauce without clumping.

Add the cooked guanciale or pancetta back into the pasta and toss until smooth and creamy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens