Authentic Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali Recipe

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is one of Italy’s most beloved pasta dishes, and for a good reason. This recipe captures the essence of Italian cooking: simplicity and quality ingredients. With just a handful of items—spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and guanciale—this traditional carbonara delivers rich, creamy textures and deep, savory flavors that are nothing short of comforting. There’s no cream involved in authentic carbonara; instead, the creamy texture comes from perfectly emulsified eggs and cheese. If you’ve never made Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali, this recipe will guide you through each step to achieve an authentic, restaurant-quality dish.

Why You’ll Love This Traditional Spaghetti alla Carbonara Recipe

This classic recipe has all the hallmarks of a great Italian meal. It’s simple to prepare, yet it relies on the quality of each ingredient, creating a perfectly balanced flavor profile. The guanciale brings a rich, fatty flavor that combines with the sharpness of Pecorino Romano and the creaminess of eggs to coat the spaghetti beautifully. Additionally, the carbonara sauce is easy to make and requires minimal cooking. With this recipe, you’ll be able to serve a restaurant-quality dish at home that tastes just like it does in Italy.

Recipe Overview

Dish Name: Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali

Description: A classic Italian pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, black pepper, and guanciale, creating a creamy, savory sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 400 grams (14 oz) spaghetti
• 150 grams (5.3 oz) guanciale, diced
• 3 large eggs (use 2 whole eggs and 1 yolk)
• 100 grams (3.5 oz) Pecorino Romano cheese, finely grated
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Guanciale is the traditional cured pork used in carbonara, as it brings a unique, rich flavor to the dish. However, if guanciale is unavailable, pancetta can be used as a substitute. While Pecorino Romano is preferred for its sharpness, you can use Parmesan cheese if necessary, though it will alter the taste slightly. Remember, the quality of each ingredient is key to achieving an authentic taste in this Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the spaghetti. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the spaghetti, as this starchy water is essential for creating the sauce.

2. Prepare the Guanciale

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced guanciale and cook until it becomes golden and crispy, releasing its fat. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent overcooking, and set aside. Keep the rendered fat in the skillet for extra flavor in the final dish.

3. Make the Carbonara Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and grated Pecorino Romano until smooth. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper to the egg mixture. The black pepper adds an authentic kick that complements the other flavors in the sauce.

4. Combine Pasta and Guanciale

Once the pasta is done, transfer it to the skillet with the cooked guanciale and toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat. Be sure to do this off the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.

5. Add the Sauce

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and guanciale, tossing quickly to coat the spaghetti in the creamy sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a small amount of reserved pasta water (a tablespoon at a time) to reach the desired consistency. The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently, creating a velvety sauce that clings to each strand.

6. Serve Immediately

Divide the spaghetti alla carbonara into individual bowls. Top with extra Pecorino Romano and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot, and enjoy the authentic flavors of Italy.

Cooking Times

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Serving Suggestions

This recipe serves 4 people as a main course. Serve Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce, or pair it with a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. For a truly Italian experience, consider serving with a glass of Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Tips: Spaghetti alla Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, as the creamy sauce can thicken upon cooling. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.

Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water. Stir gently to revive the sauce without scrambling the eggs. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the eggs to cook unevenly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make spaghetti alla carbonara without guanciale?

While guanciale is traditional and provides authentic flavor, you can substitute pancetta or even thick-cut bacon. However, using these substitutions will slightly change the taste of the dish.

2. Can I add cream to carbonara?

Traditional Italian carbonara does not use cream. The creaminess in the sauce comes solely from the eggs and cheese. Adding cream is a variation often seen outside of Italy, but it is not part of the authentic recipe.

3. How can I avoid scrambling the eggs?

The key is to remove the pasta from the heat before adding the egg mixture. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling. Adding a little pasta water helps regulate the temperature as well.

Conclusion

Spaghetti alla Carbonara Tradizionali is a timeless Italian classic that has earned its place as a favorite worldwide. This recipe brings out the simple beauty of quality ingredients, creating a creamy, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious. With just a few steps, you’ll be able to make a truly authentic carbonara that tastes just like it came from an Italian kitchen. Try this recipe, and bring a taste of Italy to your table. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your experience. Buon appetito!