Making authentic pasta carbonara is simple and packed with flavor! With plenty of savory bacon, cheesy egg sauce, and tender spaghetti, it’s a satisfying weeknight meal for pasta lovers.

Curious about pasta carbonara? It’s spaghetti cooked with a special sauce and fried meat. The dish originated in the Rome region of Italy. While the exact story of its origin is unknown, it is commonly believed to have been created by coal miners. Despite its mysterious beginnings, carbonara gained popularity in Italy and around the world after World War II. The classic recipe includes spaghetti, bacon, eggs, and cheese.

Pasta Options:

You can use any type of pasta with this sauce, as carbonara specifically refers to the sauce itself. While spaghetti noodles are commonly used, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes! Here are some suggestions:

• angel hair
• bucatini
• egg noodles
• fettuccine
• linguini

No matter which pasta you choose, make sure to cook it al dente!

Cheese Options:

If you’re unable to find pecorino romano cheese, you can substitute it with:

• Parmigiano Reggiano
• Parmesan
• Asiago
• Grana Padano

Can I Make This Dish If I’m Allergic to Eggs?

Authentic pasta carbonara contains a significant amount of eggs. If you’re allergic to eggs or prefer not to use them, check out our Eggless Spaghetti Carbonara recipe!

Does Authentic Carbonara Have Cream?

A key characteristic of this dish is its creamy sauce. Despite what you might think, authentic pasta carbonara does not include cream or milk! The thick, velvety texture of the sauce comes from the eggs.

What Meat Is Traditionally Used in Authentic Pasta Carbonara?

The most authentic pasta carbonara is made with guanciale, an Italian sausage. If you can’t find it, pancetta or pancetta affumicata can be used as alternatives. Bacon is also a suitable substitute!