Step 1 of 6
Carbonara
Put a large pot of water on to boil. Salt it, but not as fiercely as usual.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips โ not a chatbot.
How long does Carbonara take?
30 min all in โ 10 min prep, 20 min cook. That is the time on this recipe, not a guess.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 2 plates. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Medium.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Wheat, Eggs, Milk. Labels are informational โ check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Nut-free.
What does it cost to cook?
Weeknight budget โ about $8โ16 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Stockpot, Frying pan, Mixing bowl.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 pinch (for the pasta water โ go lighter than usual because pecorino is salty).
What can I use instead?
Guanciale โ Pancetta. Less funky, still correct-adjacent. Bacon adds smoke โ use only if that is what you have, and know you changed the dish. Pecorino โ Mostly pecorino plus a little parmigiano. Common even in Rome. All parmigiano is milder and less sharp.
What should I watch for?
Do not burn the meat. Bitter fat ruins the emulsion.
Any tips from this recipe?
Warm the bowls. Cold ceramic steals gloss. Guanciale fat is the sauce. Do not drain it like bacon for a diet blog.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.