Hearty Spaghetti Carbonara

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Hearty Spaghetti Carbonara, a classic Italian dish elevated with rich, creamy textures and smoky, savory flavors. Featuring al dente spaghetti tossed in a luscious sauce of velvety egg yolks and finely grated Parmesan, this recipe is perfectly balanced with crispy pancetta or thick-cut bacon and fragrant garlic. A touch of freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle kick, while chopped parsley provides a fresh, vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just 35 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dinner is made entirely with simple, high-quality ingredients and doesn’t require heavy cream—it’s pure pasta bliss! Ideal for weeknight meals or dining occasions, this carbonara is a masterclass in authentic Italian cooking.

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Spaghetti
• 150 grams Pancetta (or thick-cut bacon)
• 4 large Egg yolks
• 100 grams Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 3

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper until smooth.

Step 4

Once the pasta is cooked and drained, immediately transfer it to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic, making sure the pan is off the heat. Toss the pasta to coat in the pancetta and garlic mixture.

Step 5

Slowly add the egg yolk and Parmesan mixture to the hot pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in a couple of tablespoons of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6

Taste and season with additional salt and black pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	747.3 grams (747.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2110

Total Fat 122.80g	157%
Saturated Fat 48.90g	244%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 925mg	308%
Sodium 6327mg	275%
Total Carbohydrate 131.40g	48%
Dietary Fiber 8.00g	29%
Total Sugars 4.20g
Protein 110.10g	220%

Vitamin D 73IU	366%
Calcium 1259mg	97%
Iron 10mg	57%
Potassium 947mg	20%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 53.4%

Protein: 21.3%

Carbs: 25.4%