Spaghetti Carbonara

Servings4
CuisineItalian

Ingredients

  • 400 gspaghetti
  • 200 gguanciale (or pancetta, cut into small strips)
  • 4eggs (large)
  • 100 gPecorino Romano (finely grated)
  • 0black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 0salt (for pasta water)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Pecorino, and plenty of black pepper. Set aside at room temperature.

  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti until al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions). Reserve 250ml pasta water before draining.

  3. While pasta cooks, add guanciale to a cold pan, then turn heat to medium. Cook 5-7 minutes until fat renders and meat is crispy. Remove from heat.

  4. Add drained pasta directly to the guanciale pan (off heat). Toss to coat with the fat. Add 100ml pasta water and toss vigorously.

  5. Pour egg mixture over pasta, tossing constantly and quickly. The residual heat cooks the eggs into a creamy sauce (not scrambled eggs!). Add more pasta water if needed for a silky consistency.

  6. Serve immediately with extra Pecorino and black pepper.

Recipe by

KitchenConvert user

Shop All Ingredients

Uncheck items you already have

Shop on Woolworths — one item at a time

KitchenConvert earns a small commission if you buy through these links — at no extra cost to you.

Shop this recipe

Equipment detected from your method.

KitchenConvert earns a small commission if you buy through these links — at no extra cost to you.

Beverage pairings

Wine

Vermentino

Dry White

$15–$25

Crisp acidity cuts through richness of eggs and guanciale; bright citrus complements black pepper

Pinot Grigio (Australian)

Dry White

$12–$20

Light, mineral profile refreshes the palate between bites of creamy pasta

Barbera

Light Red

$18–$28

Moderate tannins and high acidity work with salty guanciale and Pecorino

Beer

Coopers Pale Ale

Pale Ale

Balanced maltiness and moderate hop bitterness complement pork fat and creamy sauce

Young Henrys Newtowner

Pilsner

Crisp, clean finish cuts through richness; Australian craft alternative

Non-alcoholic

Still or Sparkling Water

Cleanses palate between bites; sparkling water's carbonation lightens the dish's richness

Lemon or Lime Spritzer

Citrus acidity mirrors wine pairings and complements black pepper and Pecorino

Ingredients

  • 400gspaghetti
  • 200gguanciale(or pancetta, cut into small strips)
  • 4eggs(large)
  • 100gPecorino Romano(finely grated)
  • black pepper(freshly ground)
  • salt(for pasta water)