How to Make Authentic Pasta Carbonara | The Stay At Home Chef

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.

Add 1 tablespoon of salt to a large pot of water and bring it to a boil.

Cook 1 pound of spaghetti noodles according to the package directions.

In a cold skillet, add 1 pound of diced thick cut bacon.

Turn up the heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 7 to 10 minutes.

In a bowl, whisk together 4 egg yolks, 2 whole eggs, and 1 cup of grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined.

Reserve about 1 1/2 cups of pasta water just before the pasta is done cooking.

Once the bacon is crispy, drain off the excess grease but leave in 1 to 2 tablespoons for flavor.

Turn the heat to low and add the cooked spaghetti pasta and the egg mixture to the skillet with bacon.

Add about 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water and toss everything together quickly.

Gradually add more pasta water until the desired consistency for the sauce is achieved, cooking for about 2 minutes over low heat.

Serve hot topped with freshly chopped parsley, black pepper, and more Pecorino Romano cheese.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens