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+ servings
A bowl of spaghetti with bacon and parmesan.
5 from 1 vote

Simple Pasta Carbonara

This simple pasta carbonara is super easy and comforting, making it a delicious and nourishing meal for those busy weeknights. The combination of cheese, pancetta, and pasta is a classic for a reason — it's simply delicious!
Prep 20 minutes
Cook 20 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Fat 23
Carbs 60
Protein 22
Yield 6

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. spaghetti
  • 8 oz. pancetta diced
  • ½ large white onion minced
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
  • ¼ cup dry white wine we used Sauvignon Blanc
  • 1 teaspoon anchovy paste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • cup whole milk
  • ½ cup finely grated pecorino romano + more for topping
  • ¼ cup starchy pasta water
  • freshly cracked pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the water and cook until al dente. Remove 1 cup of the starchy pasta water from the pot before straining the pasta. Set pasta aside, but try to keep the pasta warm.
  • Next, add the eggs, whole milk, and pecorino cheese to a large bowl and whisk until combined. Slowly drizzle ¼ cup of the warm (not hot) pasta water into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until combined. Be sure the pasta water is not hot, or it will scramble the eggs. Set aside.
    A bowl of yellow liquid with a whisk in it.
  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium/high heat. Add the pancetta to the Dutch oven and cook for 4-5 minutes until partially cooked.
    Bacon in a blue pot on a white surface.
  • Add the onion and garlic and season with salt. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, and then add the garlic. Cook for an additional 1 minute.
  • Deglaze the Dutch oven with white wine. Pour the wine into the pan and scrape the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Then, whisk the anchovy paste into the white wine.
  • Add the cooked spaghetti to the Dutch oven and toss it with all of the ingredients.
    A pan full of spaghetti with bacon in it.
  • Remove the Dutch oven from the heat and let it cool for 2-3 minutes.
  • Once the pot has had time to cool, slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta and constantly stir to be sure the egg doesn’t scramble.
    A pot of spaghetti with bacon and orange juice.
  • When the egg mixture becomes creamy and warm, serve with cracked pepper, shredded cheese, and chopped parsley. Be sure the Dutch oven isn’t hot, or else the eggs will scramble.
    A bowl of spaghetti with bacon and parmesan.

Tips & Notes

  • Any long pasta type can be used for this recipe.
  • Option to place the starchy pasta water in the fridge for a few minutes to help it cool off.
  • Parmesan cheese can be used in place of pecorino romano.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 549kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g