Creamy Carbonara Pasta Recipe 15-Minute Easy Homemade Dinner
A quick and easy creamy carbonara pasta recipe that comes together in under 15 minutes, featuring a silky egg and Parmesan sauce with crispy pancetta for a comforting and authentic Italian dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces (225 grams) spaghetti
- 4 ounces (115 grams) pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup (about 100 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Salt, for pasta water and seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-9 minutes. Reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1 cup (100 grams) finely grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add freshly cracked black pepper (about 1 teaspoon) and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 ounces (115 grams) diced pancetta and 1 minced garlic clove. Cook until pancetta is crispy and golden, about 5-6 minutes. Remove garlic if you prefer a milder garlic flavor.
- Add the drained spaghetti directly to the skillet with pancetta. Toss to coat the pasta with the rendered fat, letting it soak in for about 1 minute.
- Remove the skillet from heat and quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time (start with 1/4 cup or 60 ml) until the sauce reaches a creamy, silky texture. Be careful not to scramble the eggs—off heat is key!
- Taste and add salt if needed. Finish with extra black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Always toss the pasta with the egg mixture off the heat to prevent scrambling. Save some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Use freshly cracked black pepper for authentic flavor. Pancetta is preferred over bacon for traditional taste. Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of water or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (half of t
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 72
- Protein: 22
Keywords: carbonara, pasta, creamy carbonara, pancetta, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, homemade carbonara