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    Cucina by Elena » Recipes » Main Dishes » Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara (no cream)

    Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara (no cream)

    Published: Feb 14, 2022 · Modified: May 20, 2022 by Elena · 27 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    BEST Creamy Carbonara! Authentic Italian Carbonara (no cream) Recipe.

    An easy 20 minute restaurant worthy meal you can make on a weeknight! This recipe is perfectly smooth and creamy without cream. In Italy, authentic carbonara means no cream. Learn to make it the authentic way with only 4 ingredients.

    This is our tried and true Italian family recipe. It's simply the BEST. It is a quick and easy meal to make using staple pantry and a few fresh items, a great one to add to your weekly dinner rotation! 

    You will also love these authentic and easy Italian pasta dishes:

    Authentic Italian Amatriciana Sauce

    Authentic Pasta alla Puttanesca Recipe (Video)

    Restaurant Style Italian Cacio e Pepe (Best Tips). 

    What is Pasta Carbonara? 

    Carbonara is a silky creamy egg and cheese sauce with mouthwatering crispy pancetta or bacon combined with al dente pasta. At the end the dish is blessed with a sprinkle of fresh cheese and black pepper (optional). This meal is all you need to satisfy your pasta cravings.

    Read about the origins of pasta carbonara in this post World Carbonara Day. 

    Easy Pasta Meal 

    My mother calls this dish “the meal that saves lives!” It’s easy to make, filling, tastes delicious, and it can feed a crowd. Whenever I invited  friends to dinner at the last minute this was a go-to- meal. It even tastes fancy enough for dinner guest. It’s a must make recipe that everyone will love! 

    It’s a quick and easy meal to make using staple pantry and a few fresh items, a great one to add to your weekly dinner rotation! 

    Italian Carbonara, pasta, bacon, parmesan cheese.

    Ingredients

    Carbonara is known all over the world as a traditional Italian pasta dish. The authentic Italian recipe requires a few quality ingredients. The high quality of the ingredients is a necessary condition for the success of carbonara recipe.

    • Pasta of choice - long or short pasta works well. The most traditional is spaghetti in these photos I used a wider variety called fettuccini. We also love short pasta as it is easier for children to eat. 
    • Bacon, guanciale or pancetta - salty and crisp you will want a thick cut cured meat variety! I use the kind at grocery counter butcher counter it always tastes better than the prepackaged variety 
    • Fresh eggs - since eggs are one of the stars here make sure to use high quality and preferable farm fresh. The taste really makes a difference in this recipe. 
    • Parmigiano or Pecorino Romano cheese - either variety will work and is commonly used. The important part is to use freshly grated cheese, or you might end up with a gloopy mess. 
    • Pepper to taste - pepper is optional and freshly ground is preferred.

    Whole Egg or Just Yolks?

    You will see a variety of recipes that use only yolk, a mixture of both, or the whole egg. In my Italian family we use the whole egg. Why? I find that it provides a lighter and more fresh carbonara that still delivers a delicious and creamy (without cream) sauce.  

    Bacon, Guanciale, or Pancetta?

    In the most traditional carbonara recipes guanciale is used since it has the most fat and flavor. Generally the higher the fat and longer the cure on the meat the more flavor it will have.

    The next in line is pancetta as far as most commonly used for Italian carbonara. I've found that guanciale and pancetta can be hard to find in most American stores. Buying high quality thick cut bacon will work when that is all you can find!

    Pecorino or Parmigiano?

    Many believe that the origins of pasta carbonara are from Lazio, Italy. At the time, they used pecorino because it’s a cheese specific to the Lazio region. Parmigiano belongs to another region: Emilia Romagna.

    I love them both ways, but most often use parmigiano since I always have that on hand. 

    Pasta Variety

    Spaghetti alla carbonara is perhaps the most traditional way to serve carbonara sauce. I love carbonara with thicker long pasta, such as linguini, or even short pasta such as, rotini (fusilli). 

    Does Authentic Pasta Carbonara Have Cream? 

    There is a big debate between American and Italians about adding cream to carbonara. The answer, in my Italian and bias opinion, is NO CREAM, in authentic carbonara! Most people add cream to make the sauce smooth. You can still achieve a creamy sauce without cream...

    Follow these easy steps and achieve the perfect restaurant style carbonara without using cream! 

    PRO TIPS

    1. Use Room Temperature Eggs

    Using room temperature eggs will help get your sauce smooth and light. The use of cold eggs can lead to clumps in your sauce. We didn’t sign up for an egg scramble.

    2. Use Freshly Grated Parmigiano

    It helps to finely grate the cheese, so it mixes well with the egg and melts nicely into the sauce. I wrote an entire article on why using freshly grated cheese makes a difference Read and you will see why! 

    3. Whisk Eggs and Parmigiano Together 

    Whisking your eggs so that the whites are completely incorporated into the yolks will give your sauce a more uniform texture. Think of scrambled eggs.

    Then, combine your eggs and parmigiano and whisk more until you achieve a smooth consistency. This  eggs and cheese mixture will be quite thick.

    4. Cook Pasta Perfectly 

    Make sure to salt the water to flavor the pasta from the inside out. Only cook until al dente. Make sure to read:  How Long to Boil Spaghetti Pasta Perfectly Every Time. 

    5. Save Drippings and Pasta Water

    After frying the pancetta, guanciale, or bacon remove it and set aside so it stays crispy. Then, save a couple tablespoons of the grease in the pan.  This will help the sauce come together in the end!

    Reserve a little (¼- ½ cup) of pasta water. If you need a little extra binder to form the sauce you can add it. 

    6. Turn off the Heat

    This is where most people mess up carbonara. You cannot mix the pasta and eggs over heat. You will create scrambled eggs!

    The residual heat from the pasta and the reserved pan drippings creates that velvety sauce, not the heat from the pan. It is okay to mix the pasta in the pan with the drippings (it is preferred) just make sure the pan is not on the heat.

    7. Mix HOT Pasta with Sauce

    The pasta needs to be as hot as possible to cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Don't let your pasta sit after draining. Start incorporating with the egg mixture and pan drippings with the hot pasta. 

    8. Keep Stirring 

    Make sure the egg and cheese mixture is evenly distributed. You want every inch of the al dente pasta coated in the velvety eggy cheesy sauce. 

    How to make video

    Watch this short video on how to make carbonara the right way! Enjoy! 

    How to make Video

    Variations

    This is the most traditional carbonara recipe. If you want to make carbonara with a twist try these options.

    • Vegetarian: sauté mushroom, peas, or asparagus with butter or olive oil and use the same method
    • Add garlic, onions, or shallots to add an extra element of flavor
    • Spice it up by adding some red chili flakes or hot sauce
    B8FE0AAC 3B1E 414C B197 FD4299D682B9 819x1024, CucinaByElena
    Authentic Italian Carbonara

    If you want a creamy pasta recipe try this one Creamy Pasta Shells with Sweet Peas and Bacon

    plated carbonara pasta on plate

    Step by Step Instructions with Photos

    How to Make Creamy Carbonara (without cream). There’s a few key steps to make a creamy carbonara without cream. Let’s start right at the beginning.

    First, you want create your egg mixture. This, alongside the starchy pasta water, will create a smooth and glossy sauce for the pasta. Start by mixing the whole eggs until well combined and uniform.

    Then, add the freshly grated cheese and combine. It helps to finally grate the cheese so it can melt quickly and create the sauce. The mixture will be very thick like in the last photo.

    carbonara no cream steps
    Egg and Cheese Mixture

    Second, fry the bacon (or pancetta) on medium heat (you can also start boiling your pasta water at this time). No oil needed for frying the meat as there is a lot of natural fat.

    After the meat is nice and crisp move onto a clean plate and set aside. Reserving a couple tablespoons of the pan drippings and discard the rest of the grease. Set the pan and bacon aside while the pasta cooks.

    cooking bacon in pan
    Cooking Bacon and Reserving Pan Drippings

    Third, cook the pasta. Tips for cooking flavorful al dente pasta:

    1 pound pasta : 2 tablespoons Kosher salt : 4 quarts water.

    Make sure the water is boiling before adding the salt and pasta. Stir often. Cook until al dente.

    Reserve ¼ cup (up to ½ cup) of the pasta water. Drain the pasta add it back to the pan with dripping and add the reserved pasta water.

    boiling pasta steps
    Cooking Pasta and Reserving Pasta Water

    Lastly, combine the ingredients and create the final dish. Add the egg mixture a little at a time stirring to combine with each addition. The pan drippings, egg and cheese mixture, and hot pasta will create the creamiest sauce (see- no cream!).

    Add the bacon (reserve a little for topping) and stir to combine. Finish with freshly grated cheese and black pepper (if desired). Eat hot!

    4DB3CFF1 06FA 454D 8660 FD6D3BA5B038 1024x1024, CucinaByElena
    Combining Ingredients to Create Final dish.

    Summary of Steps

    1. Make cheese and egg mixture
    2. Add pancetta/bacon to pan fry until crispy. Save drippings.
    3. Cook pasta
    4. Combine pasta to pan when removed from heat. Slowly add egg mixture (add a splash of starchy pasta water- if needed)
    5. Toss until glossy, slightly creamy and fully blended.
    6. Fold in pancetta/bacon and serve hot!

    Storing

    Carbonara is best served immediately, while it is hot and creamy. If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to two days. Once reheated it will not taste the same since the eggs will cook more in the reheating process.

    My preferred way to enjoy authentic carbonara is to make and eat the carbonara as soon as it is made!

    carbonara on a plate with wooden board

    More Recipes for you

    Pasta Bake Cheese Broccoli and White Sauce

    Breaded Chicken Breast Pan Fried (Italian)

    Stuffed Chicken Thighs (Involtini di Pollo)

    Italian Pink Sauce Pasta Recipe (Tomato Cream)

    This delicious Authentic Carbonara Recipe will easily become a new family favorite! If you make it don't forget to leave a STAR rating and review. I can't wait to hear from you!

    Print
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    B8FE0AAC 3B1E 414C B197 FD4299D682B9 150x150, CucinaByElena

    Authentic Italian Pasta Carbonara (no cream)

    ★★★★★ 5 from 9 reviews
    • Author: Elena Davis
    • Prep Time: 5 min
    • Cook Time: 15 min
    • Total Time: 20 min
    • Yield: 6 servings 1x
    • Category: Savory
    • Method: Italian
    • Cuisine: Italian
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    Authentic Italian Carbonara (without cream) is an easy 20 minute restaurant worthy meal you can make on a weeknight! This recipe is perfectly smooth and creamy without using cream. In Italy, a traditional carbonara means no cream. Learn to make it the authentic way.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 4 eggs (room temperature)
    • 2 cups freshly grated Parmigiano or Pecorino cheese
    • Coarsely ground black pepper
    • 1 lb (16 oz) of pancetta, guanciale, or bacon, sliced into pieces about ¼ inch thick by ⅓ inch square
    • 1 lb (454 grams) of pasta of choice

    Instructions

    1. Place a large pot of salted water (no more than 2 tablespoon salt per 500 gr pasta) over high heat, and bring to a boil.
    2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs until very well combined and smooth. Add the cheese and mix to incorporate.  You should have a thick mass once combined.
    3. Meanwhile, fry bacon in a pan, on the edge of crispness but not too hard. Remove bacon from pan and set aside. Save a couple tablespoons of bacon drippings in pan. Take pan off heat and wait to reuse.  
    4. Add pasta to the water and boil until al dente according to your taste and package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water (in case you need it), then drain pasta.
    5. Add pasta to pan with bacon drippings. Then, a little at a time, add the egg mixture, adding some reserved pasta water if needed for added creaminess. After a creamy texture is achieved add the bacon and incorporate into the pasta and sauce. Save a little bacon for garnish. 
    6. Serve immediately, dressing it with a bit of additional grated cheese and fresh ground pepper.

    Notes

    STORING: Carbonara is best served immediately, while it is hot and creamy. If you have leftovers, store in the refrigerator for up to two days.

    Once reheated it will not taste the same since the eggs will cook more in the reheating process. My preferred way to enjoy authentic carbonara is to make and eat the carbonara as soon as it is made!

    Keywords: pasta, carbonara, pasta carbonara, eggs, bacon, pancetta, parmigiano, easy dinner, easy meal, no cream, authentic Italian

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cucinabyelena on Instagram when you make the recipe! I would love to see it. Don't forget to leave a STAR RATING and REVIEW on this post. Thank you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Bree A. says

      October 16, 2020 at 2:18 am

      I made this the other night and the whole family raved! Everyone had multiple servings. Easy to make and filling.

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 16, 2020 at 6:30 pm

        Bree, I am so happy. It's the best!

        Reply
    2. Grace says

      October 21, 2020 at 5:11 pm

      Made this for my family one night and have already made it twice more, since! So, so delicious, and it makes a whole heap of pasta. We had it for dinner and then lunch the next day, too! Also, my sister said it tasted even better the next day.
      This has been added to the top of our roster for easy and delicious dinner meals. Thank you!!

      Reply
      • Elena says

        October 27, 2020 at 8:15 pm

        Grace, I'm so happy to hear that! It is a delicious go to meal!

        Reply
      • Rachel Zackrison says

        November 17, 2020 at 1:43 am

        Wow I made it for dinner tonight and it is amazing! Such a great recipe and easy to follow.

        Reply
        • Elena says

          November 17, 2020 at 2:02 am

          Rachel,
          I am so happy you loved it!!
          So many more good ones to try.
          Happy cooking and baking,
          Elena

          Reply
    3. Blaire says

      January 26, 2021 at 8:50 pm

      Love this quick and easy recipe. Since I’m a vegetarian I split the pasta and egg and cheese mixture and put bacon in one pan and veggies in the other (I’ve used peas as well as asparagus, really any veggie that needs to be used that’s in the fridge).

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    4. Rose says

      March 02, 2021 at 1:34 am

      Do you put the pasta straight in with the cooked bacon and grease or drain the grease first?

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 02, 2021 at 1:43 am

        Hi! I like to keep some of the grease to create a little coating on the pasta. If you prefer, you may drain it and you will still get excellent results.
        - Elena

        Reply
    5. Gitara says

      December 08, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Terrific job here. I really enjoyed what you had to say. Keep going because you definitely bring a new voice to this subject. Not many people would say what youve said and still make it interesting. Well, at least Im interested. Cant wait to see far more of this from you.

      Reply
    6. Pianino says

      December 09, 2021 at 8:53 am

      This is some good stuff. It took me some time to locate this blog but it was worth the time. I noticed this website was buried in google and not the first spot. This internet site has a lot of good stuff and it doesnt deserve to be burried in the searches like that. By the way Im going to save this site to my favorites.

      Reply
    7. Katrina Smith says

      December 26, 2021 at 12:43 am

      Delicious, quick, last minute Christmas lunch/dinner when we all decided we'd eaten enough "junk food". My husband got me some real aged parmesan sent from Italy for my birthday in November. A ton of it. This was a great use of some and was fantastic! Merry Christmas!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 01, 2022 at 5:23 pm

        So happy you loved this recipe!

        Reply
    8. Humor Kawały says

      February 01, 2022 at 12:18 am

      Hello 🙂 I bookmarked this site. Thanks heaps for this!… if anyone else has anything, it would be much appreciated.

      Reply
    9. Laura says

      February 01, 2022 at 4:56 am

      All pasta dreams about being this pasta. This recipe is super quick and beyond delicious. Even my husband can make this recipe. Would recommend for everyone.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 01, 2022 at 5:22 pm

        Thank you Laura! I am happy you love this quick and easy meal. Many more that are similar. Have you tried "L'amatriciana" sauce. It is easy and delicious. Your husband can make that one for you too :).

        Reply
    10. Sandy says

      February 01, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      I love Pasta Carbonara! I've had a hard time finding a recipe that is worthy of adding to my recipe rotation... yours hit the mark! We loved it! Thank you so much for your recipes, your stories, and your kindness. It's greatly appreciated!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 01, 2022 at 5:21 pm

        So happy you finally found one you love. We make it often! Thank you for taking the time to write a review, Sandy! Have a wonderful day.

        Reply
    11. Jordan says

      February 02, 2022 at 4:51 am

      There are some recipes that can change your personality. Suddenly at the mere mention of the word Carbonara from my wife I turn from a mild-mannered, boring professional to a crazed adrenaline junkie. I do anything for this carbonara. Jump off a building, run with the bulls in Pamplona, or even watch a romantic comedy. This recipe is my favorite pasta, and this is coming from someone who asked for mac and cheese every night for 8 years. Everyone should get the chance to eat this recipe, and should invite me to help them finish the pot.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 21, 2022 at 6:01 pm

        Jordan! This made me laugh, but I have to agree! This carbonara recipe is life changing. Stay safe with the bulls and eat more carbonara!

        Reply
    12. Nikie says

      February 18, 2022 at 12:59 am

      Two thumbs up from everyone at our house!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
    13. Jordan Davis says

      February 19, 2022 at 11:08 pm

      Love this! Always a favorite for me!

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        February 21, 2022 at 6:00 pm

        Happy you love it!

        Reply
    14. Jordan says

      March 08, 2022 at 12:26 am

      Honestly, the BEST CARBONARA I’ve ever had!! So easy too.

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        March 08, 2022 at 12:31 am

        I love it too! It is the exact recipe we use in Italy!

        Reply
    15. Carol Mann says

      April 07, 2022 at 12:38 am

      Made this on World Carbonara Day! Absolutely the best carbonara! My husband loved it and said this recipe is a keeper. Thank you Elena❤️

      ★★★★★

      Reply
      • Elena says

        April 07, 2022 at 4:00 pm

        So happy you loved it! You are welcome.

        Reply

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    Ciao! I'm Elena. Welcome to my cucina (kitchen). I was born in Italy and grew up spending my summers on the beaches of Sardegna cooking, eating, and sharing tasty Italian meals. Here you will find trusted, achievable, and delicious Italian (and more) recipes that highlight fresh ingredients with a simple process.

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