Easy Carbonara Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes)
By Captain Cooking
Imagine enjoying a rich and creamy spaghetti carbonara in just 20 minutes. This classic Italian dish can be made easily at home using simple, high-quality ingredients like guanciale and Pecorino Romano cheese for an authentic flavor.
Authentic carbonara does not use cream — the creamy texture comes from eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
The key to a great creamy carbonara is using top-notch ingredients. The right guanciale and cheese make it both rich and elegant.
Key Takeaways
Why This Easy Carbonara Recipe Is the Best 20-Minute Pasta Dish
Indulge in the rich flavors of Italy with this easy recipe. It’s perfect for a quick dinner. What makes it special? It’s the authenticity and simplicity.
The Origins of Authentic Carbonara
Authentic carbonara comes from Italy, the Lazio region. It’s made with guanciale, Pecorino Romano cheese, and eggs. These simple ingredients create a complex flavor.
Giovanni Rana, a famous Italian chef, said, “The beauty of carbonara lies in its few, high-quality ingredients.”
The Secret Behind This Quick and Creamy Carbonara
Traditional carbonara uses guanciale, but for convenience you can substitute pancetta or bacon while still keeping a delicious flavor.
As a food blogger noted,
“The key to a great carbonara is in the quality of its ingredients and the speed of its preparation.”
This version lets you enjoy a delicious, creamy carbonara in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Carbonara Recipe
To make this easy and delicious carbonara recipe, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients: spaghetti, eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta or bacon, salt, and black pepper.
The secret to an authentic, rich carbonara recipe is choosing high-quality ingredients—especially the Pecorino Romano, which brings that signature salty and slightly tangy flavor that makes this classic Italian pasta so special.
Carbonara
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup Pecorino Romano cheese grated
- 100 g pancetta or bacon diced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
- In a pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon until crispy. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with pancetta and toss to combine.
- Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to create a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese and black pepper on top.
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
First, get your ingredients ready. Crack the eggs into a bowl and grate the Pecorino Romano cheese. Having everything ready will make cooking faster, finishing the dish in 20 minutes.
Step 2: Cooking the Pasta Perfectly
Cook your spaghetti until it’s al dente. This is important to avoid a bad texture. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water will help with the sauce’s consistency.
Step 3: Preparing the Egg and Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix the eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The quality of your cheese matters a lot. This mix is the base of your carbonara recipe, making it creamy without cream.
Step 4: Cooking the Pancetta or Bacon
Cook the pancetta or bacon in a pan until crispy. This adds a smoky flavor. Take it off the heat once it’s done, as it will keep cooking a bit.
Step 5: Combining Everything Together
Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the pancetta or bacon and toss to combine.
Remove the pan from the heat, then pour in the egg and cheese mixture while tossing quickly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.
If the sauce is too thick, gradually add a little reserved pasta water until you reach the desired silky consistency.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake is overcooking the eggs, making them scrambled instead of creamy. Also, not saving enough pasta water can mess up the sauce’s consistency. By avoiding these mistakes, your carbonara will be perfect.
Mastering the Easy Carbonara Recipe
You now have the skills to make a delicious Italian pasta dish in just 20 minutes. By following the carbonara recipe in this article, you can enjoy a rich and creamy carbonara. It’s just like the ones served in top Italian restaurants.
The secret to a great carbonara is using high-quality ingredients and mastering the technique. With practice, you’ll get better at making it. This carbonara will impress anyone, whether you’re cooking for yourself or guests.
By using simple yet effective techniques, you can make your Italian pasta dishes even better. So, try this carbonara recipe and enjoy the rich flavors of Italy at home.
Looking to add extra flavor to your meals? Try this homemade BBQ sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats and side dishes.
Conclusion
You now have everything you need to prepare a rich and creamy carbonara in just 20 minutes. By using quality ingredients and the right technique, you can enjoy an authentic Italian pasta dish at home.
This easy carbonara recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners. Once you try it, it will quickly become one of your favorite pasta dishes.
