Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style)

Recipe by Aden Films

A classic Roman carbonara made with guanciale, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano and Grana Padano. The sauce is gently cooked in a double‑boiler at 65 °C for a silky, creamy texture without any cream. Perfect for a comforting Italian dinner.

MediumItalianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
30m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
53m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.10
Total cost
$3.53
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cleaning and trimming the guanciale
  • Rendering the guanciale without added fat
  • Maintaining 65 °C while whisking the egg‑cheese mixture (Bagno Maria)
  • Tossing the pasta quickly to avoid the sauce curdling

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot rendered guanciale fat with care – it can cause burns.
  • When using the double‑boiler, avoid direct contact with boiling water to prevent scalds.
  • Use very fresh eggs to reduce the risk of salmonella.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) in Italian cuisine?

A

Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) traces back to early 20th‑century Rome, linked to the city’s working‑class meals and the availability of pork products and Pecorino. It became emblematic of Roman comfort food and is celebrated for its simple, rich flavors that showcase Italian culinary principles.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) in Italian cooking?

A

In Italy, variations include using pancetta instead of guanciale in the north, adding cream in some regions, or substituting Parmigiano‑Reggiano for Pecorino in the south. However, the Roman style remains distinct for its reliance on guanciale, Pecorino Romano, and a cream‑free emulsion.

cultural
Q

What is the authentic traditional way Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) is served in Rome, Italy?

A

Traditionally, Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) is served hot, tossed directly on the plate with a generous sprinkling of Pecorino Romano and a crack of black pepper. It is often presented on a simple white plate to highlight the glossy sauce, sometimes accompanied by a side of sautéed greens.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

In Italian culture, Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) is commonly enjoyed as a hearty weekday dinner but also appears at informal family gatherings and weekend meals. It is not typically tied to specific festivals, though it may be featured during celebrations of Roman heritage.

cultural
Q

How does Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) fit into the broader Italian cuisine tradition?

A

Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) exemplifies the Italian culinary ethos of few, high‑quality ingredients prepared with technique. It sits alongside other pasta classics like Cacio e Pepe and Amatriciana, forming the trio of Roman dishes that define the region’s pasta tradition.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) are guanciale, spaghetti, egg yolks, Pecorino Romano, and a touch of Grana Padano, plus black pepper. Acceptable substitutes include pancetta for guanciale, Parmigiano‑Reggiano for Pecorino, or using whole eggs instead of just yolks, though the flavor profile changes.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style)?

A

Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) pairs well with a crisp Italian white wine such as Frascati, a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, and classic antipasti like bruschetta or marinated artichokes. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside a light seafood appetizer or a vegetable minestrone.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) using the double‑boiler method?

A

Common mistakes include overheating the egg mixture, which turns it into scrambled eggs, and adding the pasta water too early, diluting the sauce. Also, failing to render the guanciale properly or using too much cheese can result in a gritty texture.

technical
Q

Why does this Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) recipe use a double‑boiler at 65 °C instead of cooking the sauce directly over heat?

A

The double‑boiler at 65 °C gently cooks the egg yolks, allowing them to thicken without curdling, creating a silky, cream‑free sauce. Direct heat can cause rapid temperature spikes that scramble the eggs, compromising the classic texture of Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style).

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Aden Films specialize in, and how does its cooking philosophy influence the Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style) recipe?

A

The YouTube channel Aden Films specializes in authentic Italian cooking tutorials, focusing on traditional techniques and regional recipes. Its cooking philosophy emphasizes respecting original ingredients and methods, which is evident in the careful double‑boiler technique used for Spaghetti Carbonara (Roman Style).

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Homemade Minestrone Soup

Homemade Minestrone Soup

A hearty, family‑favorite Italian minestrone packed with smoky bacon, seasonal vegetables, beans and pasta. Jamie Oliver’s easy‑going method lets you throw in whatever veg you have on hand for a comforting, broth‑rich soup that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

1 hr 4 min
Serves 6
$16
8 views
ItalianEasy
15 Minute Garlic And Olive Oil Spaghetti

15 Minute Garlic And Olive Oil Spaghetti

A quick, simple, and flavorful Italian pasta made with thin spaghetti tossed in a fragrant garlic‑olive oil sauce, finished with chili flakes, fresh parsley, and grated Parmesan. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.

35 min
Serves 4
$4
1 views
ItalianEasy
Pasta e Fagioli - Best recipe for Pasta Fagioli- Cook in less than 45 minutes.

Pasta e Fagioli - Best recipe for Pasta Fagioli- Cook in less than 45 minutes.

A quick, comforting Italian‑style bean and pasta soup that comes together in under 35 minutes. Made with pinto beans, diced tomatoes, vegetables, and al dente pasta, this dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

45 min
Serves 5
$20
4 views
ItalianMedium
How to Make Ciambotta: The Italian Stew My Family Asks Me to Make Every Single Week

How to Make Ciambotta: The Italian Stew My Family Asks Me to Make Every Single Week

A rustic, one‑pot Italian vegetable stew from the Abruzzo region, inspired by traditional family recipes. Small cubes of eggplant, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, celery and tomatoes are sautéed, simmered and finished in the oven for a comforting, vegan‑friendly dish that pairs perfectly with crusty bread.

1 hr 30 min
Serves 4
$32
4 views
ItalianEasy
Traditional Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers

Traditional Tiramisu with Homemade Ladyfingers

A classic Italian tiramisu made entirely from scratch, including homemade ladyfinger sponge, airy mascarpone cream, and a rich coffee soak. This recipe walks you through every step, from whipping eggs to careful assembly, ensuring a light, ethereal dessert with distinct layers and deep flavor.

3 hrs 5 min
Serves 12
$19
16 views
ItalianIntermediate
Perfect Bombolone (Italian Donuts) with Vanilla and Chocolate Cream Filling

Perfect Bombolone (Italian Donuts) with Vanilla and Chocolate Cream Filling

Homemade Italian-style bomboloni – soft, pillow-like fried donuts filled with a silky vanilla cream and a chocolate‑kissed counterpart. This step‑by‑step recipe covers the pastry cream, yeasted dough, frying, coating, and piping for a truly restaurant‑quality treat.

3 hrs 4 min
Serves 8
$4
17 views
ItalianMedium