How to Make Pasta Carbonara

guanciale

🥗Healthier: pancetta

💰Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta is more accessible, while bacon offers a budget-friendly option.

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan is a lower-fat alternative, and Grana Padano is often less expensive.

Combine 3 eggs and 2 egg yolks in a bowl.

Add freshly cracked black pepper to the egg mixture.

Grate 1 and 1/2 cups of parmesan cheese and add it to the eggs.

Salt the pasta water generously.

Cook 1 pound of spaghetti noodles until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

While the pasta cooks, fry up 4 to 6 ounces of cubed guanciale or bacon until crispy and golden brown.

Do not drain the fat from the guanciale or bacon after cooking.

Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the guanciale or bacon and hot oil to toast the noodles.

Transfer everything into the bowl with the egg and cheese mixture, allowing the cheese to melt and the eggs to cook slightly.

Slowly add about 1 cup of reserved pasta water while tossing the noodles in the egg and cheese mixture to create a creamy sauce.

Serve with fresh cracked black pepper and additional shredded parmesan or pecorino Romano cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens