Ingredients
Method
- Whisk eggs, grated cheese, and black pepper in a large bowl until completely smooth. This creamy base will coat every strand of pasta beautifully. The mixture should look pale yellow and luxurious.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1 minute less than package directions. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced guanciale and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic during the last minute, letting it become fragrant but not brown.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Add the hot, drained pasta directly to the pan with the crispy meat. Toss quickly to coat with the rendered fat.
- Slowly pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta while tossing vigorously with tongs. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a silky sauce. Add pasta water gradually until you achieve a glossy, cream-like consistency that clings to each strand.
Notes
Don't add the egg mixture to a hot pan - you'll get scrambled eggs instead of silky sauce. Never use cream in authentic carbonara. Always reserve pasta water before draining - it's essential for proper sauce consistency. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or cream, stirring constantly. Freezing isn't recommended as the egg-based sauce doesn't freeze well.
