Transport yourself to a Roman trattoria with every forkful of this timeless dish. Spaghetti Carbonara is a velvety, indulgent pasta dish that's surprisingly simple to make. It uses just a few basic ingredients to create an authentic Italian flavor that's incredibly satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight meal that feels like a special occasion, or when you're simply craving the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory goodness in each bite. Skip the cream – this dish relies on the magic of eggs, cheese, and pancetta to deliver its distinctively rich taste. Buon appetito!
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta or bacon until crispy and rendered, about 5 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat and add the cooked, drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing to coat in the rendered fat.
Quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, using pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. The heat of the pasta should cook the eggs gently without scrambling them.
Season generously with freshly ground black pepper and toss again. Taste and adjust with more salt, if needed.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper, if desired.