Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe

User Reviews

5.0

93 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    5 mins

  • Total Time

    20 mins

  • Servings

    6 servings

  • Calories

    737 kcal

  • Course

    Main Course

  • Cuisine

    Italian

Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe

Authentic Italian Carbonara (without cream) is an easy 20 minute restaurant worthy meal you can make on a weeknight! This recipe is perfectly smooth and creamy without using cream. In Italy, a traditional carbonara means no cream. Learn to make it the authentic way.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 4 eggs room temperature
  • 2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese
  • coarsely ground black pepper
  • 1 lb pancetta, guanciale, or bacon, sliced into pieces about 1/4 inch thick by 1/3 inch square, 16 oz
  • 1 lb Pasta of Choice 454 grams
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Instructions

  1. Place a large pot of salted water (no more than 2 tablespoon salt per 500 gr pasta) over high heat, and bring to a boil.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until very well combined and smooth. Add the cheese and mix to incorporate.  You should have a thick mass once combined.
  3. Meanwhile, fry bacon in a pan, on the edge of crispness but not too hard. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Save a couple tablespoons of bacon drippings in pan. Take pan off heat and wait to reuse.  
  4. Add pasta to the water and boil until al dente according to your taste and package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water (in case you need it), then drain pasta.
  5. Add pasta to pan with bacon drippings. Then, a little at a time, add the egg mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed for added creaminess. After a creamy texture is achieved add the bacon and incorporate into the pasta and sauce. Save a little bacon for garnish. 
  6. Serve immediately, dressing it with a bit of additional grated cheese and fresh ground pepper.

Notes

  • STORING: Carbonara is best served immediately, while it is hot and creamy. If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
  • Once reheated it will not taste the same since the eggs will cook more in the reheating process. My preferred way to enjoy authentic carbonara is to make and eat the carbonara as soon as it is made!

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Calories 737kcal (37%) Carbohydrates 59g (20%) Protein 33g (66%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 5g Monounsaturated Fat 16g Trans Fat 0.1g Cholesterol 73mg (24%) Sodium 1072mg (45%) Potassium 382mg (11%) Fiber 2g (8%) Sugar 2g (4%) Vitamin A 288IU (6%) Calcium 416mg (42%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 737 kcal

% Daily Value*

Calories 737kcal 37%
Carbohydrates 59g 20%
Protein 33g 66%
Fat 40g 62%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5g 29%
Monounsaturated Fat 16g 80%
Trans Fat 0.1g 5%
Cholesterol 73mg 24%
Sodium 1072mg 45%
Potassium 382mg 8%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 2g 4%
Vitamin A 288IU 6%
Calcium 416mg 42%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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5.0

93 reviews
Excellent

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