Authentic Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe – Creamy & Delicious
Authentic Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Discover the secrets to making perfect spaghetti carbonara that’s creamy, rich, and utterly delicious. This Italian classic is one of the most beloved pasta dishes worldwide, and our authentic recipe delivers that velvety texture without compromising on flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, this comforting dish will become your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 4 slices turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon alternative, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Salt for pasta water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Water
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Step 5: Serve Immediately
Plate the carbonara immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cheese and black pepper.
Expert Tips
- Temperature Control: The key to creamy carbonara is adding the egg mixture off the heat to prevent scrambling
- Quality Cheese: Use authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano and Pecorino Romano for best flavor
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce perfectly
- Work Quickly: Have everything ready before you start combining
- Keto Variation: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make carbonara without pork?
Absolutely! Our recipe uses turkey bacon or vegetarian alternatives that work beautifully while maintaining the authentic carbonara flavor.
Why did my eggs scramble?
This happens when the pan is too hot. Always remove from heat before adding the egg mixture and toss quickly.
How do I make it creamy without cream?
Authentic carbonara doesn’t use cream – the creaminess comes from the egg and cheese emulsion when mixed with hot pasta.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Carbonara is best served immediately, but you can prep ingredients in advance for quicker assembly.
Authentic Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced turkey bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper until well combined.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water. Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with bacon and garlic. Remove from heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously to create a creamy sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Plate the carbonara immediately while hot, garnishing with additional cheese and black pepper.
