Kitchen notes · a little help before you start
Carbonara
Carbonara brings together guanciale, eggs, and parmesan. Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. The quick notes will help you get the small jobs lined up before you start.
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Original yield
- Serves 4
- Ingredients
- 9 listed
Make it part of your week
Recipe categories & planning details
- Meal type
- Main course
- Cuisine
- Italian
- Preparation & total time
- Quick dinners · Prep: 15 minutes or less
- Dietary characteristics
- Vegetarian
- Dish type
- Pasta
A few quick notes
1. Keep a little pasta water
Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. Scoop out the cooking water where the method tells you to, then add it gradually when bringing the pasta and sauce together.
2. Keep the package nearby
The method uses package directions for part of the cooking. Read those before choosing your start time, especially if you have a different brand or package size.
3. Match the preparation in the method
Take a look at the chopping, slicing or shaving step before bringing the parts together. Use the preparation described there so the food goes into the next stage in the form the recipe expects.
Get to know the ingredients
Guanciale
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Guanciale - Cut into 0.5cm / 1/5" thick slices then into batons.
Eggs
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Carbonara sauce - Place eggs and yolks in a large bowl.
Parmesan
Look at how this ingredient comes into the method: Then stir in the parmesan and pepper.
Let’s make it
Choose your servings, then check things off as you go.
Original recipe: Serves 4. Original quantities shown.
Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.
How to make it
0 of 8 steps completeMake room for Carbonara
Review ingredients in your pantry before anything is added. Meal plans use your household size; grocery-only additions use the servings selected above.
The last little job
Keep the last little job in mind
The recipe finishes with this step: Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra parmigiana reggiano if desired, and a pinch of black pepper and finely chopped parsley. Set out what you need for that finish before the cooking gets busy.
A little more help as you go
Keep the first boil and the next step together
Read what happens once the mixture comes to a boil. Have the next ingredient or heat adjustment ready, and continue with the sequence the recipe gives.
Mix the sauce before its turn
Give the sauce mixture its own preparation step. Have it ready before the recipe calls for it in the pan or bowl, so you can keep moving through the method.
Have the whisking step ready
Set out the ingredients for the whisking step together. Follow that part of the preparation before moving to the next cooking or mixing stage.
A few questions you might have
What should I get ready before starting?
Read the first preparation step before you get going: Guanciale - Cut into 0.5cm / 1/5" thick slices then into batons.
Which little step is worth remembering?
Put a mug or measuring cup beside the stove before you start. Scoop out the cooking water where the method tells you to, then add it gradually when bringing the pasta and sauce together.
What check should I look for as it cooks?
Keep this part of the method in view: Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden.
Is there another preparation step to plan for?
Read what happens once the mixture comes to a boil. Have the next ingredient or heat adjustment ready, and continue with the sequence the recipe gives.
Storage & reheating safety
For cooked, perishable leftovers, refrigerate within 2 hours (1 hour above 90°F), using shallow containers for prompt cooling. Keep the refrigerator at 40°F or below, use refrigerated leftovers within 3–4 days, and reheat hot leftovers to 165°F, checked with a food thermometer. Follow any shorter package limit.
These are general safety limits, not a tested storage or freezing recommendation for this particular dish. USDA leftovers guidance · Safe cooking temperatures
Recipe source: RecipeTin Eats. Ingredient names and quantities may be adapted for the pantry.
Preparation notes follow the recipe shown here.
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