That’s how you make a CARBONARA @MealswithMax
That’s how you make a CARBONARA @MealswithMax is a medium Italian recipe that serves 2. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Lionfield on YouTube.
Prep: 9 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 34 min
Cost: $7.96 total, $3.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 400 g Spaghetti (dry, broken into individual strands after cooking)
- 100 g Pancetta (cut into small dice; can use guanciale or thick-cut bacon as substitute)
- 100 g Pecorino Romano Cheese (finely grated; fresh grate gives best texture)
- 2 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 2 large Egg Yolks (room temperature; adds extra richness)
- 1 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (coarsely ground for texture)
- to taste Salt (for pasta water; optional for seasoning)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Grate the Pecorino Romano, dice the pancetta, and crack the eggs into a mixing bowl. Separate two egg yolks into a small bowl.
Time: PT5M
Toast Pancetta
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the diced pancetta and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring until the fat renders and the pieces are crisp.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Boil Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, season generously with salt, and add the spaghetti. Cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: high
Mix Egg‑Cheese Emulsion
In the mixing bowl, whisk together the two whole eggs, two egg yolks, grated Pecorino, and black pepper until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti, reserving the hot water. Transfer the pasta to the skillet with the crisp pancetta (remove from heat). Quickly pour the egg‑cheese mixture over the hot pasta, tossing vigorously with tongs. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce looks too thick, continuing to toss until a silky coating forms.
Time: PT3M
Plate and Serve
Divide the carbonara between two plates, top with extra grated Pecorino and a final grind of black pepper. Serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 550
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 70g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains pork, Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (Pecorino Romano), Gluten (spaghetti), Pork
Last updated: April 7, 2026






