Indulge in the luxurious simplicity of this Rich Carbonara Sauce recipe, a classic Italian dish that balances creamy textures and bold flavors. Crafted with crispy pancetta (or guanciale), a velvety blend of egg yolks, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper, this no-cream carbonara delivers authentic, restaurant-quality results in just 30 minutes. Tossed with al dente spaghetti, the sauce clings beautifully to every strand, thanks to a touch of reserved pasta water that creates a silky finish. Perfect for date nights or family dinners, this decadent dish is best served fresh, garnished with extra cheese and black pepper for a crowd-pleasing presentation.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, following the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, dice the pancetta (or guanciale) into small cubes.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until it becomes crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the skillet from heat, but leave the pancetta in the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
Immediately after draining the pasta, transfer it to the skillet with the pancetta. Toss the pasta gently to coat it in the rendered fat.
Slowly add the egg and cheese mixture to the hot pasta, tossing quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, if the sauce is too thick. Continue tossing until the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional black pepper or salt if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated cheese and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Calories |
2047 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 124.0 g | 159% | |
| Saturated Fat | 49.2 g | 246% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1113 mg | 371% | |
| Sodium | 6076 mg | 264% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 131.7 g | 48% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.8 g | 28% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.2 g | ||
| Protein | 94.2 g | 188% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.1 mcg | 15% | |
| Calcium | 1268 mg | 98% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 751 mg | 16% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.