How to Make Chef John's Spaghetti alla Carbonara - A Step-by-Step Guide

Spaghetti alla Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that has won the hearts of food lovers all over the world. Its rich and creamy texture, combined with the savory and smoky flavors of the pancetta and parmesan cheese, make it a favorite among those who appreciate the simple yet incredibly delicious flavors of Italian cuisine.

Chef John's take on this traditional dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create ...

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Ingredients

  • 4 ounces guanciale, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
  • 6 ounces spaghetti
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
  • 3 tablespoons grated Pecorino Romano cheese

Information

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 20 mins
  • Total Time: 25 mins
  • Servings: 2
  • Yield: 2 servings

  • Cook guanciale with olive oil and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a Dutch oven over medium-low heat until almost crisp, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
  • Whisk eggs, 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water.
  • Pour reserved pasta water and drained spaghetti into the bacon-pepper mixture; stir to combine.
  • Slowly pour egg mixture into the pasta mixture; cook, stirring constantly until the egg mixture forms a thick sauce, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • Stir remaining 3 tablespoons Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and 3 tablespoons Pecorino Romano cheese into the pasta mixture and serve.
  • Nutrition

    688 cal.

    • Total Fat: 30g
    • Saturated Fat: 11g
    • Cholesterol: 220mg
    • Sodium: 984mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 66g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3g
    • Total Sugars: 3g
    • Protein: 36g
    • Vitamin C: 0mg
    • Calcium: 460mg
    • Iron: 5mg
    • Potassium: 414mg