5.0 from 219 votes
Spaghetti alla Carbonara
The authentic version of the world's favourite pasta recipe! All you need is eggs, guanciale or pancetta, Parmigiano or pecorino and spaghetti to make Rome's favourite pasta dish!
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 935 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- 400 g spaghetti or spaghettoni (14oz)
- 250 g guanciale (pork cheek) (9oz) or pancetta (Italian bacon) cut into small cubes.
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (I don't use olive oil with guanciale)
- 4 eggs (one per person) including one egg yolk or 5 eggs if using only egg yolks
- 50 g parmigiano reggiano (2oz) or aged pecorino freshly grated.
- freshly ground black pepper.
- salt for pasta
Instructions
- Put a pot of water on to boil for the pasta. Add salt once it starts to boil. Cook pasta al dente according to the instructions on the packet
- Meanwhile, fry the guanciale or pancetta until browned. (I use a little olive oil with pancetta but not with guanciale as it renders quite a lot of fat)
- Lightly beat the eggs and/or egg yolks in a large bowl with the grated cheese and black pepper.
- When the pasta is ready, drain and add to the pan with the guanciale. Then mix well to coat the pasta. Take off the heat. Allow to cool slightly (so the egg won't be scrambled).
- Then add the egg and cheese mixture. Stir well to coat the pasta, but not too vigorously ( you don't want scrambled eggs!). Serve immediately with more grated cheese and black pepper as required.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- As mentioned in the post, the majority of chefs agree that "true" carbonara has guanciale and not bacon or pancetta, although both make fine substitutes as long as they are quite fatty and cubed.Spaghetti is the usual pasta, although linguine, fettucine, bucatini and rigatoni can also be used.
Nutrition Information
Calories
935kcal
(47%)
Carbohydrates
76g
(25%)
Protein
30g
(60%)
Fat
56g
(86%)
Saturated Fat
22g
(110%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
0.02g
Cholesterol
239mg
(80%)
Sodium
867mg
(36%)
Potassium
297mg
(8%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
3g
(6%)
Vitamin A
351IU
(7%)
Calcium
196mg
(20%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 935
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 935kcal | 47% |
| Carbohydrates | 76g | 25% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 56g | 86% |
| Saturated Fat | 22g | 110% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 239mg | 80% |
| Sodium | 867mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 297mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 351IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 196mg | 20% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.