Best Easy Bucatini alla Carbonara Recipe

A variation of the Roman classic using hollow bucatini for extra sauce in every bite. This high protein mediterranean dish features eggs, guanciale, and pecorino for a rich family dinner.

Cook 30 min Difficulty NORMAL 560 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bucatini pasta 12 oz
  • guanciale 6 oz
  • large eggs 3 pieces
  • egg yolks 2 pieces
  • pecorino romano cheese, freshly grated 1 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • freshly ground black pepper 1.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 2 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 58 g 41%
Protein 21 g 15%
Fat 24 g 44%
Serving size 280g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Generously season with kosher salt (about 1 tbsp per 4 quarts), then add bucatini and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente (about 9 minutes).

  2. 2

    While pasta cooks, cut guanciale into small lardons. Place in a large skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the fat renders and guanciale is crisp but not burnt (6-8 minutes). Reduce heat to low to keep warm.

  3. 3

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and pecorino romano cheese until very smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon black pepper.

  4. 4

    Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining cooked bucatini. Add drained pasta directly to the skillet with guanciale; toss to coat and let residual heat infuse flavor for 1 minute, keeping heat low.

  5. 5

    Remove skillet from heat. Quickly add egg-cheese mixture, tossing or mixing vigorously so the sauce thickens to a creamy texture (not scrambled eggs). Add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to loosen if needed. Top with extra pecorino and cracked black pepper before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Guanciale and pecorino romano cheese are the defining ingredients of bucatini alla carbonara. Guanciale delivers a unique savory, fatty depth, while pecorino romano adds sharp, salty flavor. The hollow bucatini pasta helps soak up the creamy sauce, together creating the dish's signature taste and texture.
Q. What cooking tip prevents the eggs from scrambling in carbonara?
After draining the bucatini, reduce the pan heat to low or off before adding the egg and cheese mixture. Toss vigorously and add reserved pasta water gradually. Residual heat and stirring create a creamy, emulsified sauce without scrambling the eggs.
Q. How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture in this recipe?
Whisk the eggs, yolks, and pecorino romano very well before adding to the pasta. When mixing with the hot pasta and guanciale, remove the skillet from direct heat, and add the sauce quickly, stirring constantly. This gentle heat control is key to achieving a silky, creamy consistency.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving?
Each serving of this Bucatini alla Carbonara provides approximately 560 kcal and 21g of protein. Protein makes up about 15% of the calories, delivering a well-balanced, high-protein Mediterranean meal.
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