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Spaghetti Carbonara - Only Guanciale!

Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe Rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, Carbonara hails from Rome in the Lazio region of Italy. Authentic Carbonara achieves its signature silky...
Spaghetti Carbonara - Only Guanciale!

Authentic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious, Carbonara hails from Rome in the Lazio region of Italy. Authentic Carbonara achieves its signature silky sauce without cream, relying solely on eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and crispy guanciale. Easy and elegant, it’s an Italian classic perfect for a satisfying dinner.

 

Ingredients (Serves 4):

  • 12 oz (340g) spaghetti (available at Zona Little Italy!)

  • 5 oz (150g) guanciale, diced (substitute: pancetta or thick-cut bacon)

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, plus extra for garnish (substitute: Parmigiano-Reggiano)

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • Salt (for pasta water)

  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional garnish)

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

  • Cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.

Step 2: Prepare the Guanciale

  • While the pasta cooks, sauté diced guanciale in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.

  • Remove the skillet from the heat but leave the rendered fat.

Step 3: Make the Egg Mixture

  • In a bowl, whisk eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Drain pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.

  • Add hot pasta directly to the skillet with the guanciale; toss quickly to coat evenly.

  • Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

  • Add reserved pasta water, a small amount at a time, if needed, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

  • Plate immediately and garnish generously with additional Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Regional Tidbit:

Traditional Roman Carbonara achieves its creamy texture exclusively from eggs and cheese—no cream involved! This method, simple yet luxurious, has been cherished by generations.

Alternate Ingredient Suggestions:

  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute guanciale with sautéed mushrooms or zucchini.

  • Cheese Variation: Mix Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano for a balanced flavor.

Shop Authentic Ingredients:

Get genuine Italian ingredients like spaghetti and Pecorino Romano cheese directly at Zona Little Italy and bring a taste of Rome right to your table!

Buon appetito!