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Classic Carbonara
ItalianMedium

Classic Carbonara

Traditional Roman pasta using egg yolks, pecorino romano, and crispy guanciale.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

15 min

Servings

Recipe serves 2

Ingredients

  • 400 grams Spaghetti
  • 150 grams Guanciale
  • 4 large Egg yolks
  • 1 large Whole egg
  • 50 grams Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Sea salt
  • 0.5 cup Pasta water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt.

  2. 2

    Cut the guanciale into small strips or cubes and place them in a cold skillet.

  3. 3

    Cook the guanciale over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the meat is golden and crispy, then remove from heat.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, the whole egg, and the finely grated Pecorino Romano until a thick paste forms.

  5. 5

    Boil the spaghetti until it is 'al dente' according to the package instructions.

  6. 6

    Reserve half a cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the guanciale.

  7. 7

    Working quickly away from the heat, pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing constantly to create a creamy emulsion.

  8. 8

    Slowly add small splashes of the reserved pasta water if needed to reach a silky consistency, then finish with plenty of cracked black pepper.

Rate this Recipe

3.5 (2 ratings)