Quick Carbonara

Indulge in the simplicity and elegance of Quick Carbonara, a classic Italian pasta dish that's ready in just 25 minutes! Made with perfectly al dente spaghetti, crispy guanciale or pancetta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce crafted from rich egg yolks, parmesan, and pecorino romano cheeses, this authentic recipe highlights bold flavors without the need for heavy cream. Freshly ground black pepper ties it all together, adding a subtle kick to each bite. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, Quick Carbonara is the perfect weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. Serve it hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese for a family-friendly meal that’s sure to impress. Perfect for lovers of traditional Italian recipes, this dish is a timeless comfort food favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 43/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams spaghetti
• 150 grams guanciale or pancetta
• 4 pieces egg yolks
• 50 grams parmesan cheese, grated
• 50 grams pecorino romano cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, cut the guanciale or pancetta into small cubes.

Step 3

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the guanciale or pancetta until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 4

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks together with the parmesan and pecorino cheeses until combined. Add freshly ground black pepper and mix well.

Step 5

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 6

Add the hot spaghetti to the skillet with the rendered fat, tossing to coat the pasta.

Step 7

Remove the skillet from the heat and slowly pour in the egg and cheese mixture while tossing the pasta continuously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8

Stir in the crispy guanciale or pancetta.

Step 9

Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	726.3 grams (726.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2241

Total Fat 156.80g	201%
Saturated Fat 64.80g	324%
Polyunsaturated Fat NaNg
Cholesterol 943mg	314%
Sodium 6495mg	282%
Total Carbohydrate 127.30g	46%
Dietary Fiber 7.80g	28%
Total Sugars 4.10g
Protein 81.20g	162%

Vitamin D 73IU	366%
Calcium 1211mg	93%
Iron 10mg	53%
Potassium 482mg	10%

*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: 62.9%

Protein: 14.5%

Carbs: 22.7%