Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe – A Classic Roman Delight
Prep time: 30mins | 2 Servings
When you think about Italian pasta, Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe is one of the most loved dishes. It’s creamy, tasty, and made with just a few ingredients. Many recipes outside Italy add cream, but the real Italian carbonara does not. Instead, it gets its creamy sauce from egg yolks, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale (cured pork), and black pepper.
In this guide, you will learn how to make carbonara the real Italian way, step-by-step. You will also get tips, see common mistakes to avoid, and find answers to common questions.
What Is Authentic Italian Carbonara?
arbonara is a pasta dish that comes from Rome. It’s simple but very flavorful. The traditional recipe uses:
Pasta – usually spaghetti, rigatoni, or tonnarelli
Guanciale – a type of cured pork cheek
Egg yolks – for the creamy sauce
Pecorino Romano cheese – salty and sharp
Black pepper – freshly ground for the best taste
The sauce is made by mixing the hot pasta with eggs and cheese so it becomes creamy without scrambling the eggs.
Why Make Carbonara the Authentic Way?
Some recipes use cream, bacon, or pre-grated cheese, but the authentic method has a better flavor and texture. When you follow the real recipe, you get:
A richer taste from guanciale and Pecorino Romano
A creamy sauce without using cream
The real Roman pasta experience
Ingredients
200g (7 oz) spaghetti – or your favorite pasta shape
100g (3.5 oz) guanciale – diced into small pieces
2 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg – at room temperature
50g (1.7 oz) Pecorino Romano cheese – freshly grated
Freshly ground black pepper – to taste
Salt – for pasta water (don’t add too much because cheese and guanciale are salty)
Tip: Pecorino Romano is traditional. Parmesan can be used, but the taste will be different.
Directions
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Boil water in a large pot and add salt.
Dice the guanciale into small pieces.
Grate the Pecorino Romano cheese.
Separate the egg yolks and put them in a bowl with one whole egg.
2. Cook the Pasta
Put the pasta in the boiling water.
Cook until al dente (firm but cooked through).
Save about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
3. Cook the Guanciale
In a large pan, cook the guanciale over medium heat until crispy and golden.
Turn off the heat but keep the fat in the pan — this adds flavor to the pasta.
4. Mix Eggs and Cheese
In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks, whole egg, Pecorino Romano, and black pepper until smooth.
5. Combine Pasta and Guanciale
Add the drained pasta to the pan with guanciale (heat still off).
Toss the pasta so it’s coated with the guanciale fat.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the egg and cheese mix over the pasta.
Toss quickly so the sauce coats the pasta without scrambling the eggs.
Add a little pasta water at a time until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Serve
Serve right away.
Add more Pecorino Romano and black pepper on top if you like.
Nutrition Facts
*Per serving (1/2 of recipe)
- Calories570 kcal
- Protein25 g
- Carbohydrates55 g
- Fat25 g
- Saturated Fat9 g
- Cholesterol230 mg
- Sodium840 mg
- Fiber3 g
Tips for the Best Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe
Don’t use cream – the eggs make it creamy enough.
Work fast – so the eggs don’t turn into scrambled eggs.
Use guanciale – it has the best flavor for carbonara.
Grate your cheese fresh – it melts better.
Keep some pasta water – it helps make the sauce silky.
Mistakes to Avoid
Scrambled eggs – turn off the heat before adding eggs.
Overcooked pasta – carbonara tastes best with al dente pasta.
Too much salt – Pecorino Romano and guanciale are already salty.
Serving Ideas
Carbonara is amazing on its own, but you can also serve it with:
A simple green salad
Garlic bread
A glass of white wine like Pinot Grigio
FAQs on Authentic Italian Carbonara Recipe
Q1. Can I use Parmesan instead of Pecorino Romano?
Yes, but Pecorino Romano gives a sharper, saltier taste.
Q2. Can I use bacon instead of guanciale?
You can, but guanciale has a more authentic flavor.
Q3. Can I reheat carbonara?
It’s best fresh, but you can reheat it gently with a little water.
Final Thoughts
Carbonara is a simple pasta dish with big flavor. By using good ingredients and the right method, you can make a meal that feels special every time.
🍝 Your turn: Try this authentic Italian carbonara recipe today and enjoy a true taste of Rome. Share it with friends and explore more traditional Italian recipes for your next meal.
