---
title: "Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara"
description: "Experience the timeless allure of Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara — a quintessential Italian masterpiece that delights with its simplicity and exquisite flavors. This recipe embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, combining pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta to create a creamy, indulgent sauce…"
category: "Main Course"
cuisine: "Italian"
serves: "2 people"
prep: "10 mins"
cook: "15 mins"
author: "Thomas Chaplin"
site: "Recipe Book"
url: "https://chaplinkitchen.com/r/traditional-spaghetti-carbonara/"
datePublished: "2024-04-21T21:33:37+01:00"
dateModified: "2026-09-10T11:08:38+01:00"
---

# Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara

Experience the timeless allure of Traditional Spaghetti Carbonara — a quintessential Italian masterpiece that delights with its simplicity and exquisite flavors. This recipe embodies the essence of Italian cuisine, combining pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta to create a creamy, indulgent sauce that envelops each strand of spaghetti perfectly. Elevate your dining experience with a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese for an authentic taste of Italy.

**Category:** Main Course · **Cuisine:** Italian · **Serves:** 2 people · **Prep:** 10 mins · **Cook:** 15 mins

**Recipe URL:** https://chaplinkitchen.com/r/traditional-spaghetti-carbonara/

## Ingredients

- 3 eggs _(yolks only)_
- 50g Pecorino Romano cheese _(grated)_
- 50g Parmesan cheese _(grated)_
- 200g spaghetti _(or tagliatelle)_
- 200g pancetta _(cubed)_

## Method

1. **Cook the spaghetti.** Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.
2. **Whisk the eggs and cheese.** In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and Pecorino cheese.
3. **Crisp the pancetta.** In a large pan, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crispy.
4. **Save the pasta water.** Drain the spaghetti, reserving a cup of the cooking water.
5. **Combine in the pan.** Add the spaghetti to the pan with the pancetta and toss to combine.
6. **Make the sauce off the heat.** Remove the pan from the heat and quickly stir in the egg and cheese mixture, adding a little of the reserved cooking water to create a creamy sauce.
7. **Season and serve.** Season with black pepper and serve immediately.
8. **Garnish the plates.** Garnish with extra cheese and parsley.

## Notes

- Ensure to remove the pan from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Guanciale can be used instead of pancetta for a more traditional flavor, although pancetta works equally well.
- Enhance the dish with a touch of garlic or chili flakes for an extra burst of flavor.
- Consider adding peas or asparagus to bulk up the dish and add color and freshness.