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Easy Carbonara Recipe: A Classic Italian Comfort Dish

Easy carbonara recipe with creamy pasta, crispy pancetta, and Parmesan garnish on a wooden table.

Introduction

Looking for a rich, creamy, and flavorful pasta dish that can be made in under 30 minutes? This easy carbonara recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or just a comforting meal at home. Made with simple ingredients like pasta, eggs, pancetta, and Parmesan cheese, carbonara delivers indulgent flavor without requiring fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This easy carbonara recipe stands out because it simplifies the cooking process without sacrificing taste. Traditional carbonara recipes can intimidate beginners, but we’ve streamlined the steps to make it accessible for everyone. With clear instructions and helpful tips, you’ll whip up a restaurant-quality dish in no time.

The Origin of Carbonara

Carbonara is a classic Italian dish with roots in the Lazio region, particularly Rome. The name likely comes from carbonaro, meaning "charcoal burner," suggesting it was a hearty meal favored by coal miners. Its simplicity—made with pasta, eggs, cured pork, cheese, and black pepper—reflects the resourcefulness of traditional Italian cooking.

Some stories link its creation to World War II, when Italian cooks adapted recipes using bacon and powdered eggs provided by Allied troops. Regardless of its exact origins, carbonara remains a beloved symbol of Italian culinary tradition, celebrated for its creamy texture achieved without cream.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Carbonara Recipe

  • Quick & Simple: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Few Ingredients: You likely already have most of them in your kitchen.
  • Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
  • Customizable: Easily tweak the recipe to include your favorite add-ins like peas or mushrooms.

Let’s dive into how you can master this timeless dish with ease!

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 25 mins
Servings 4
Estimated Cost $  12
Calories 400
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

This easy carbonara recipe combines al dente pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from eggs, Parmesan cheese, and crispy pancetta. It’s an authentic Italian classic that’s simple enough for beginners and delicious enough to impress.

Ingredients
  • 12 ounces spaghetti
  • 4 ounces pancetta
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt (plus extra for pasta water)
  • ¼ cup pasta water (reserved)
Instructions
    Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti (or your choice of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
    2. Cook the Pancetta
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4–5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat but leave the pancetta in the pan.
    5. Prepare the Sauce
  5. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and grated Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  6. Add freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt (optional, as Parmesan and pancetta are already salty).
    7. Combine the Ingredients
  7. Immediately after draining the pasta, transfer it to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss to coat the pasta in the oil and garlic mixture.
  8. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
    9. Adjust Consistency
  9. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
    10. Serve and Garnish
  10. Divide the pasta among plates or bowls.
  11. Sprinkle each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with a sprig of parsley if desired.
    12. Enjoy!
  12. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 400kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 7g35%
Cholesterol 120mg40%
Sodium 650mg28%
Potassium 180mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 2g8%
Sugars 2g
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 300 IU
Calcium 150 mg
Iron 2 mg
Vitamin D 10 IU
Vitamin E 1 IU

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: easy carbonara recipe, authentic carbonara, creamy carbonara, Italian pasta recipe
Read it online: https://www.therecipewebsite.com/recipe/easy-carbonara-recipe/
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