Fettuccine Carbonara

Fettuccine carbonara is where simplicity meets pure indulgence! The recipe is fancy while being totally weeknight-friendly.

I mean, how can something this simple taste so luxurious? The magic happens when hot pasta meets farm-fresh eggs and aged Parmigiano-Reggiano.

It creates a luxuriously silky sauce that clings to every strand of fettuccine. 

This dish is my go-to when I want to impress someone (or, honestly, just myself). Once you try it, you’ll be addicted!

Why You’ll Love This Fettuccine Carbonara

Simple Yet Gourmet: This recipe delivers an elegant, restaurant-quality dish with just a handful of accessible ingredients and straightforward steps.

Silky Sauce: The combination of eggs, cheese, and pasta water creates a silky, creamy sauce. There’s no need for heavy cream, making each bite feel rich and indulgent.

Savory Depth: The pancetta or guanciale adds a delightful, crispy texture and brings salty, smoky, and umami notes.

Comfort Food: With its satisfying flavors, this dish is a go-to option for a comforting, homemade meal.

Ingredients

• Fettuccine: This wide, flat pasta is the heart of carbonara. Its flat surface is perfect for capturing the rich sauce.
  
• Pancetta or Guanciale: They offer a saltiness to enhance the flavors.
  
• Eggs: They give the sauce a luxurious, creamy texture and golden hue.
  
• Parmigiano-Reggiano: The rich, nutty flavors integrate perfectly with the eggs to enrich the sauce.
  
• Garlic: Although not traditional in Italy, it adds zest, preventing the dish from being bland.
  
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: It’s essential for seasoning.
  
• Salt: It’s used in the pasta water to intensify the flavor.

How to Make Fettuccine Carbonara

I promise this dish isn’t intimidating! Just follow these simple steps.

1. Prepare the egg mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

3. Cook the pancetta. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or guanciale and sauté until golden and crispy (about 5-6 minutes).

4. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

5. Reserve some pasta water. Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.

6. Combine the pasta and pancetta. Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly into the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat.

7. Make the sauce. Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, a little at a time, until a silky sauce forms. (You may not need the entire cup. Add just enough to achieve your desired consistency.)

8. Serve. Plate the pasta immediately. Top with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Tips for the Best Fettuccine Carbonara

Follow these easy tips for perfect fettuccine carbonara.

• Select your favorite meat. Traditional guanciale (cured pork cheek) provides the most authentic flavor. But pancetta is an excellent alternative if guanciale isn’t available.
  
• Skip the pre-grated stuff. Use freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
  
• Room temperature is a must. Bring the eggs to room temperature before starting. Cold eggs cause the sauce to seize up when combined with hot pasta.
  
• Don’t get scrambled! Never add the egg mixture while the pan is still on the heat. This is the number one rule to prevent scrambled eggs instead of a silky sauce.
  
• Serve it in style. Serve immediately on warmed plates. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so timing is crucial for the perfect consistency. Pair with a crisp green salad and a light Italian white wine like Frascati or Pinot Grigio.
  
• Try fun variations. Substitute bacon for pancetta/guanciale. Add peas for color and sweetness. Mix in Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.

How to Store

Have leftover pasta? Here’s how to keep it fresh.

To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container and refrigerate promptly, ideally within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, but consuming it sooner ensures better flavor and texture. Do not freeze this recipe, as the consistency will change.

To Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop by adding a small amount of olive oil, butter, or cream to a skillet over low heat. Stir continuously to restore the creamy consistency. Or use a bain-marie to even heat or microwave in short intervals. Add a splash of liquid if needed to prevent drying out.

Fettuccine Carbonara

Course: Main CourseCuisine: Italian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Calories

568

kcal

This fettuccine carbonara is so luxurious and indulgent! The combination of pancetta, Parmesan cheese, and eggs creates a dish fit for a king.

Ingredients

• 16 oz fettuccine

• 150 g pancetta or guanciale, cut into batons

• 4 large eggs (2 whole eggs + 2 yolks)

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Salt for pasta water

Instructions

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks, grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
• While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pancetta or guanciale and sauté until golden and crispy (about 5-6 minutes).
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
• Before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water.
• Transfer the hot, drained pasta directly into the skillet with the pancetta and garlic. Toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat.
• Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat. Add the reserved pasta water gradually, a little at a time, until a silky sauce forms. (You may not need the entire cup—add just enough to achieve your desired consistency.)
• Plate the pasta immediately. Top with additional grated Parmigiano-Reggiano and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Notes

• Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Work quickly and continuously toss the pasta to ensure the sauce emulsifies evenly and becomes creamy.
• The reserved starchy pasta water is crucial for creating the smooth, glossy sauce. Add it gradually to control the consistency of the sauce.
• While Parmigiano-Reggiano is traditional, you can also mix in Pecorino Romano for a sharper, saltier flavor.