Close-up of spaghetti carbonara twirled into a neat mound on a shallow white plate with creamy Parmesan sauce, crispy golden pancetta bits, and specks of black pepper on a rustic wooden surface

Creamy Comfort: Irresistible Spaghetti Carbonara with Crispy Pancetta

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Nothing beats the comforting embrace of a classic Italian dinner like this Spaghetti Carbonara. It’s quick, creamy, and utterly satisfying with every bite.

One evening, after a long day, I whipped up this dish and savored how the warm, silky sauce hugged each strand of pasta, while crispy pancetta bits added a delightful crunch. It felt like a small celebration in a bowl.

  • Smooth and creamy egg and Parmesan sauce that clings to every strand
  • Perfectly al dente spaghetti for just the right bite
  • Crispy pancetta pieces adding golden, savory bursts
  • Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and elegant plating

Ready in under 30 minutes, this carbonara is as easy as it is comforting. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without fuss.

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Spaghetti Carbonara

Close-up of spaghetti carbonara twirled into a neat mound on a shallow white plate with creamy Parmesan sauce, crispy golden pancetta bits, and specks of black pepper on a rustic wooden surface
Print Recipe

A creamy egg and Parmesan sauce coats al dente spaghetti, topped with crispy pancetta bits and freshly cracked black pepper.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Ingredients

Spaghetti
Pancetta
Egg yolks
Parmesan cheese
Black pepper
Salt

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente according to package instructions.
While pasta cooks, cut pancetta into small pieces and sauté in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat.
In a bowl, whisk egg yolks with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Drain pasta, reserving some pasta water. Quickly toss spaghetti with the pancetta in the pan off heat.
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over pasta, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper.
Plate by twirling spaghetti into a neat mound in the center of a shallow white plate.
Sprinkle additional crispy pancetta bits and grated Parmesan on top.
Finish with a few more cracks of black pepper before serving.

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FAQ

Is this recipe easy for beginners?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are pantry staples. Just follow the boiling and sautéing instructions carefully for the best results.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve the creamy texture.

Save this recipe, print it out, and enjoy a cozy Italian feast tonight!