Easy Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs Recipe

Whipping up a dreamy, cheesy spaghetti carbonara with pancetta can transport you straight to the heart of rome’s culinary landscape.

Pasta lovers seek comfort in this classic italian dish that blends rich, creamy textures with smoky meat.

Authentic carbonara demands precision and quality ingredients that sing together in harmonious balance.

Crispy pancetta provides a salty punch against silky egg-coated noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Italian nonnas would nod with approval at this carefully crafted recipe that respects traditional techniques.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through rustic roman kitchens and generations of passionate cooking.

Craving a restaurant-worthy meal you can master at home?

This recipe will make you the star of your dinner table.

FAQs

• Why is my carbonara sauce grainy or scrambled?

The key is to mix the egg and cheese mixture quickly off the heat to prevent scrambling. Add reserved pasta water gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.

• Can I substitute pancetta with another meat?

Absolutely! Bacon works great as an alternative. Just ensure it’s crispy and has a similar salty flavor profile to traditional pancetta.

• How do I know if I'm using the right amount of pasta water?

Start with a few tablespoons and add more as needed. The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that coats the pasta perfectly without being too dry or too wet.

• Is this dish authentically Italian?

While inspired by traditional carbonara, this version includes mozzarella, which is a slight departure from the classic Roman recipe. Traditional carbonara uses only eggs, Pecorino Romano, and guanciale.

Why Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara Deserves a Spot on Your Menu

• The dish comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner cravings.
• Swap pancetta for bacon, adjust cheese types, or add extra herbs to make the recipe uniquely yours while keeping the classic creamy texture.
• Rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, this spaghetti carbonara delivers pure comfort in every single bite, bringing warmth and joy to the table.

Ingredients for Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

• Spaghetti: Classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation of this creamy carbonara dish.

• Pancetta: Traditional Italian cured pork that adds a rich, salty flavor to the carbonara.
• Eggs: Provide the silky, creamy texture that makes carbonara unique.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create the signature carbonara sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Contributes to the creamy and stretchy texture of the dish.

• Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Provide depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the carbonara.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, bright note to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to cook pancetta and add a subtle Mediterranean flavor to the dish.

• Pasta Water: Reserved cooking liquid that helps create a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.

Steps for Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook spaghetti in salted boiling water until perfectly tender.

Carefully scoop out pasta water before draining the noodles completely.

Step 2: Crisp Pancetta

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add pancetta and cook until edges turn golden and crispy.

Transfer crispy pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Create Silky Sauce Base

• Whole eggs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Step 4: Infuse Garlic Flavor

In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant and lightly golden.

Add cooked spaghetti and gently toss to coat noodles with garlic-infused oil.

Step 5: Blend Creamy Mixture

Remove skillet from heat.

Quickly pour egg and cheese mixture over hot pasta, stirring continuously.

Gradually add reserved pasta water to create a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Fold in crispy pancetta pieces.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.

Toss everything together until pasta is evenly coated and glossy.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer spaghetti to serving plates.

Optionally, scatter chopped fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Kitchen Tips for Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

• Temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot pasta water while continuously whisking to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for richer flavor and better melting, avoiding pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
• Add reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce consistency, ensuring a silky texture without making it too runny or dry.
• Remove skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent overcooking and maintain a luxurious, velvety sauce.
• Opt for genuine Italian pancetta for authentic flavor, trimming excess fat and cooking until perfectly crisp for maximum taste.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

• Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the dish tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm portions on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to restore creaminess and prevent sauce from separating.
• Gently warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring constantly. Introduce a small amount of pasta water or cream to revive the sauce's smooth texture and prevent scrambling eggs.
• Skip freezing carbonara, as eggs and cheese will break down, causing a grainy texture and compromising the dish's delicate creamy consistency.

Sides That Go With Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly cut through the richness of the carbonara, balancing its creamy texture with bright, acidic notes.
• Match with Light Salad: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the heavy, cheesy pasta, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Dry Red Wine: Chianti or Sangiovese offers a robust flavor that stands up to the salty pancetta and creamy cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Toasted Italian bread helps soak up the delicious sauce and adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft, silky pasta.

Different Styles of Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara

• Vegetarian Carbonara: Replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms or crispy tofu cubes for a meat-free protein option that maintains the creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free spaghetti made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities while keeping the classic carbonara taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash to reduce carbohydrate content while preserving the dish's creamy cheese sauce and savory profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and cashew cream to create a similar cheesy consistency for those avoiding dairy products.

Cheesy Spaghetti Carbonara with Pancetta and Eggs Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spaghetti carbonara brings creamy Italian comfort straight to your kitchen with rich pancetta and silky eggs. Rich parmesan and black pepper create a classic Roman pasta experience you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 250 grams (8.8 ounces) spaghetti
• 150 grams (5.3 ounces) pancetta, diced
• 2 large eggs

Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a pot of salted water and cook spaghetti until perfectly tender, maintaining a slight bite. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy pasta liquid before draining completely.
2. Render pancetta in a spacious skillet over medium heat until achieving a golden, crisp texture. Transfer the crunchy bits to a separate plate, leaving behind the flavorful rendered fat.
3. Create a silky emulsion by vigorously whisking eggs with finely grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella in a mixing bowl until thoroughly integrated.
4. Infuse the same skillet with aromatic minced garlic, sautéing briefly until fragrant but not browned. Introduce cooked spaghetti, gently coating each strand with the garlic-infused essence.
5. Immediately remove skillet from heat and swiftly incorporate the egg-cheese mixture, continuously stirring to prevent scrambling. Gradually introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luxuriously smooth and glossy sauce.
6. Fold in the crispy pancetta fragments, seasoning generously with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Transfer to warm serving plates, optionally garnishing with delicate fresh parsley sprigs for a vibrant touch. Serve spontaneously to preserve the sauce’s optimal creamy consistency.

Notes

• Achieving the perfect carbonara texture requires swift, careful mixing to prevent scrambling eggs.
• Use room temperature eggs to help create a smoother, silkier sauce that coats pasta evenly.
• Reserve extra pasta water as a backup to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick or dry.
• Skip pancetta for vegetarian version by replacing with crispy mushrooms or roasted zucchini for similar umami flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 220mg