Pasta Carbonara (Amalfi Coast Recipe) - Tastefully Grace (2024)

Jump to Recipe

5 from 115 votes

At a quaint, off the beaten path café in Amalfi, Italy, I had the best pasta carbonara I’ve ever had (and one of the single best pasta dishes ever consumed). The family that owned this café was so happy that we loved their carbonara, that they invited me into their kitchen to watch the magic happen. It was one of the best moments of my life!

Pasta Carbonara (Amalfi Coast Recipe) - Tastefully Grace (1)

This simple pasta carbonara recipe is a perfect flavor blend of creamy richness and a porky kick. This timeless Italian classic is kicked up a notch with this Amalfi version, adding shallots and whole milk to the dish for extra flavor and creaminess. Your taste buds will thank you!

Want another classic Italian pasta dish recipe? Try Pasta al Limone!

What is Pasta Carbonara?

Carbonara is a traditional Roman pasta dish that combines few, but high-quality ingredients. This dish showcases the harmonious blend of pasta, eggs, parmigiano-reggiano cheese, guanciale (cured pork jowl) or pancetta, and black pepper. The result is a creamy, rich sauce that clings to the pasta, creating an indulgent flavor experience.

This “Amalfi style” includes the five standard ingredients in Roman carbonara (spaghetti, pancetta/guanciale, eggs, parmesan cheese, and black pepper), but it also includes whole milk and shallots.

Still – this recipe doesn’t include cream or peas that you’d typically see in carbonara throughout the US. This Amalfi carbonara is delicate like the Roman version, but it has just a bit more creaminess with a touch of sharpness from the shallots. I was so lucky to be able to watch and cook carbonara with a local pro. Here’s how she made carbonara as I remember it. She didn’t measure out ingredients, so I’ve experimented with the recipe to recreate it just how I remember it tasting!

Tips for Marking Pasta Carbonara

  • Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality eggs, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, and pancetta to ensure an authentic and flavorful Carbonara base.
  • Respect Tradition: Stick to the traditional ingredients and preparation methods for an authentic taste that pays homage to its Italian roots.
  • Mind the Heat: While cooking the sauce, use low heat to avoid scrambling the eggs, achieving a silky and creamy texture. I use pasteurized eggs (previously heat-treated) since I don’t like to take any risks when working with raw ingredients.
  • Pasta Water is Your Friend: Save a cup of pasta cooking water before draining. The starchy water can be added to the sauce for a smoother consistency.
  • Serve and Eat Immediately: Carbonara is best eaten right after preparation to enjoy its creamy goodness at its peak.

Pasta Carbonara Ingredients

  • High-quality spaghetti: Nothing beats a perfect al dente pasta. Spaghetti or bucatini is the go-to noodle for this dish.
  • Pancetta or guanciale: Pancetta is milder, while guanciale is more intense and fatty. I like pancetta!
  • Parmigiano Reggiano: Parmigiano is used in the sauce to add creaminess and flavor, and as a finishing touch.
  • Whole milk: Whole milk adds a creamy richness to balance the sauce’s flavors and texture.
  • Shallots: Shallots add an onion-like kick providing subtle depth to the dish.
  • Eggs (I use pasteurized): Eggs also contribute to the creaminess and richness to the sauce.
  • Extra-virgin olive oil: EVOO helps saute shallots.
  • Black pepper to taste: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a warm, peppery kick.

How to Make Pasta Carbonara

Full instructions in the recipe card; this is just an outline!

  1. Combine.

    Whisk together whole milk, egg, cheese, and black pepper to create your sauce base. Set aside.

  2. Boil.

    Cook spaghetti to perfect al dente, according to cooking instructions on the box.

  3. Cook.

    In a separate pot or pan, cook pancetta until just crispy, about 5-8 minutes over medium heat. Drain extra fat (the liquid in the pan!).

  4. Saute.

    Throw in your shallots to the pancetta pan (and a dash of olive oil if needed) and sweat them for about 2 minutes.

  5. Add.

    Drain your pasta and add to the pancetta/shallot pot. Use tongs to combine.

  6. Combine.

    Turn stove off, and add egg mixture, stirring into hot pasta, pancetta and shallots. Stir constantly until all ingredients are steaming hot.

  7. Serve.

    Serve immediately! And of course, with more grated cheese and black pepper!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use bacon instead of guanciale or pancetta?

Guanciale or pancetta are traditional, but bacon can be used as an alternative and still give you the essence of Carbonara.

What if my sauce is too thick?

Incorporate a little more reserved pasta water and gently toss until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.

What if my sauce is too runny?

Add a bit more cheese to help bind the sauce.

Can I add salt?

You can certainly add salt, but the cheese and pancetta/guanciale are plenty salty. Only add a little at a time if you choose to do so.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Spaghetti is traditional, but you can use any type of pasta shape you like. I prefer to stick to ones that can hold the creamy sauce, like fettuccine, bucatini or rigatoni.

How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Make sure to remove the pan from direct heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture and toss quickly to coat the pasta evenly.

Can I make pasta carbonara in advance?

Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, as reheating can cause the eggs to overcook and the sauce to become less creamy.

Can I reheat leftover carbonara?

Reheating carbonara is not recommended as it can result in a loss of creaminess.

How can I ensure the pasta is al dente?

Taste the pasta a minute or two before the suggested cooking time ends. It should have a slight firmness when bitten, as it will continue cooking briefly when combined with the sauce.

Other Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

  • Italian Chicken Pesto Pasta
  • Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta With Chicken
  • Authentic Cacio e Pepe (Cheese and Pepper) Pasta
  • Creamy Pasta Primavera
  • Creamy Lemon Pasta (Pasta al Limone)
  • The Ultimate Pasta With Bacon and Peas

Pasta Carbonara (Amalfi Coast Recipe) - Tastefully Grace (2)

Pasta Carbonara (Amalfi Coast Recipe)

At a quaint, off the beaten path café in Amalfi, Italy, I had the best pasta carbonara I’ve ever had (and one of the single best pasta dishes ever consumed). The family that owned this café was so happy that we loved their carbonara, that they invited me into their kitchen to watch the magic happen. It was one of the best moments of my life!

5 from 115 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Keyword: any season, winter

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 845kcal

Author: TastefullyGrace

Ingredients

  • 1 pound good-quality spaghetti
  • 8 ounces pancetta or guanciale, which is fattier and gamier
  • 1 ½ cup parmigiano reggiano plus more to garnish
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 shallots chopped
  • 3 large eggs you can substitute pasteurized eggs if you prefer!
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste

Instructions

  • In a bowl, whisk together milk, egg, cheese, and black pepper. Set aside.

  • Begin boiling spaghetti to al dente, according to cooking instructions on box.

  • In a separate large pot, sauté pancetta in a dry pan until it just starts to get crispy, about 5-8 minutes over medium heat. Drain extra fat (the liquid in the pan!). Add shallots (and a dash of olive oil if needed) and sweat them for about 2 minutes. Then turn heat to low to keep ingredients warm.

  • Drain pasta and add to pancetta/shallot pot. Use tongs to combine. Turn stove off, and add egg mixture, stirring into hot pasta, pancetta and shallots. Stir constantly until all ingredients are steaming hot.

  • Serve immediately with more grated cheese and black pepper! OH MY!!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 845kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 16g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 140mg | Sodium: 827mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 386IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 378mg | Iron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Follow:

You may also enjoy:

  • Simple Grilled Chicken Thighs

  • Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies (in 25 Minutes!)

  • Fresh Peach Crisp

  • How to Make Grilled Cheese (Mom’s …

Pasta Carbonara (Amalfi Coast Recipe) - Tastefully Grace (2024)

FAQs

Which ingredient should never be used in traditional carbonara? ›

Should carbonara have cream? Typically carbonara sauce is only made of eggs, bacon, parmesan, olive oil, seasoning, and sometimes, vegetables. As for cream, Italians will tell you that is a big no no.

What kind of pasta is on the Amalfi Coast? ›

The Scialatielli is a typical Amalfi Coast type of fresh pasta that has an irregular shape. I recommend you to taste it in Amalfi, where they were born at the hands of chef Cosentino. Compared to other types of fresh pasta, they are made with water and flour and fewer eggs in the dough.

What is the trick about carbonara sauce? ›

Whisk Like You Mean It

You're using more egg yolks than whites here, which is what makes carbonara so rich and luxurious. But there's still two eggs-worth of whites in there. Whisking your eggs so that the whites are completely incorporated into the yolks will give your sauce a more uniform texture.

Is carbonara better with or without cream? ›

Whatever you use, don't use store bought pre-grated as it won't melt properly in the sauce. Egg yolks and whole eggs – The egg combined with the guanciale fat is what makes the stunning creamy carbonara sauce that the world is obsessed with. There's no need for cream for a creamy sauce!

What is the golden rule of cooking a carbonara? ›

The golden rule to silky carbonara is to whisk your egg whites so that they're completely incorporated with the egg yolks. This will create a smooth, velvety sauce. As like any pasta dish, including carbonara, cook the pasta perfectly al dente so that it's soft but still firm, with some bite.

What are the biggest carbonara mistakes? ›

1. Adding your eggs while the pasta is still on the heat. This is one of the most common mistakes when making carbonara. It is very easy to end up with pasta a la scrambled eggs instead.

Where do celebrities eat in Amalfi Coast? ›

Where do celebrities eat on the Amalfi Coast? The place on the Amalfi Coast where it's easiest to encounter "famous faces" is the village of Nerano. Here, the jet-set crowd disembarks from their yachts to dine in cliffside restaurants such as Lo Scoglio and La Conca del Sogno.

What food is Positano, Italy known for? ›

And Positano is no different, with traditional cuisines offering a mouth-watering experience. As it is right on the coast, seafood is the area's speciality, with fresh seafood platters or seafood pasta and pizzas available. Try out the local wine, co*cktails, and more that go perfectly with this summer meal.

What pasta is Sorrento famous for? ›

Pasta di Sorrentina / Pasta of Sorrento

Its composition is based on the use of short pasta, in particular penne rigate (good to hold the sauce), topped with fresh tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. You can also use other formats such as mezze penne pasta, paccheri or even gnocchi (the famous dumplings of Sorrento).

Does carbonara use whole eggs or just yolks? ›

Why It Works. A sauce of mostly yolks has a richer, silkier, tighter texture than one made with only whole eggs. A mixture of Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano-Reggiano delivers that essential Roman flavor without making the pasta taste excessively salty or sharp.

Why don t Italians use cream in carbonara? ›

The creaminess comes from adding a little pasta water at the end. A carbonara has egg yolk, pecorino romano, guanciale and black pepper. If you like you can mix equal parts Parmigiani Reggiano and Pecorino Romana. The creaminess comes from adding a little pasta water at the end.

What is the difference between modern carbonara and classic carbonara? ›

Modern spaghetti carbonara is a twist on the classic and while it is a little different from the original, the most important rule remains, IT IS MADE WITH EGGS AND ABSOLUTELY NO CREAM!

Are you eating raw eggs in carbonara? ›

Spaghetti alla carbonara is a traditional Italian dish, which the sauce made of raw egg yolks is heated using only the heat of cooked pasta.

Can I use mozzarella instead of parmesan for carbonara? ›

My Parmesan cheese clumped up so I would recommend using mozzarella instead and topping/sprinkling with Parmesan instead. I give credit for how easy this is - and it makes a lot, so will feed a family!

What are the ingredients in traditional carbonara? ›

Carbonara is made with guanciale (cured pork), eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, spaghetti pasta, and lots of black pepper. Italians don't add extra ingredients like cream, milk, garlic, or onions. Try this recipe if you want to make an authentic, creamy carbonara that comes straight from Italy, where I live.

Does traditional carbonara have garlic? ›

Must-have ingredients

that there are only five ingredients: pasta, pork cheek, eggs, cheese and pepper. That's it. A real carbonara does not contain onion, garlic, or cream.

Why not use egg whites in carbonara? ›

I always use 1 egg yolk for every egg I add. This makes the carbonara perfectly creamy. The argument against using egg whites is that they cook quicker than egg yolks. I prefer it, but you have to maintain control over the heat of the pan.

Is egg yolk in carbonara safe? ›

There's always a risk with raw eggs, but eggs in carbonara will be fully cooked by the time it reaches your fork...if and only if the dish comes together the second the pasta is drained.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 6361

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.