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Easy Carbonara Without Cream

This easy carbonara recipe omits cream, relying on eggs and cheese to create a rich, silky sauce. Perfect for those seeking an authentic Italian pasta experience.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or other long pasta
  • 4 oz pancetta diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese finely grated
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • to taste salt
  • to taste black pepper freshly cracked

Instructions
 

  • Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  • In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook until crisp and golden, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  • In a bowl, whisk eggs with Pecorino Romano and a generous amount of black pepper until smooth.
  • Add minced garlic to the pancetta in the skillet, allowing the residual heat to soften it without browning.
  • Return the drained pasta to the pot. Off the heat, pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring vigorously to coat evenly.
  • Gradually add reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
  • Toss in the crispy pancetta and garlic, ensuring even distribution throughout the pasta.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with extra cheese and black pepper if desired.