This Easy Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe Will Wow Your Guests

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Pasta – in my humble opinion – is the best food group of them all. And when you combine it with rich cheese, salty cured meat, and *lots* of garlic, it can only get better! You'll get a taste of all of the above with this spaghetti carbonara recipe. Using fresh noodles, authentic pancetta (or guanciale), Pecorino Romano cheese, and freshly ground black pepper is the key to executing this dish flawlessly. It's the best dose of carbs that'll cheer you up after a long day and keep your dinner party guests coming back for seconds (and begging for the recipe)!

Here's how to make this easy spaghetti carbonara recipe.

Ingredients for Spaghetti Carbonara

Photo by Karolina Grabowska / PEXELS

  • 14 oz spaghetti
  • 7 oz cooked pancetta or guanciale, diced (can also use bacon)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (can also use Parmesan)
  • 4 cloves garlic, freshly grated
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt

Directions for Spaghetti Carbonara

Photo by Lucie Liz / PEXELS

  1. Cook the spaghetti to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook the pancetta/guanciale/bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic. Cook until the meat is crispy and let sit.
  3. In a medium bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the cheese. Add lots of black pepper.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the meat and garlic. Remove from the heat.
  5. Next, quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to ensure the eggs don't scramble. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs just enough to create a creamy sauce. If it turns out too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
  6. Top with more cheese and black pepper and serve!

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Lead photo by Antonius Ferret / PEXELS.

Looking to refresh your dinner routine with meals that are light, flavorful, and effortless to make? Well, consider your search over. These 12 quick and easy dinner recipes can help you spend less time in the kitchen and more time soaking up the season – all while still being delicious and flavorful. From one-pot meals to fresh salads, these dinner ideas make cheffing something up a total breeze.

Scroll on for our 12 favorite easy spring dinners to make this season!

Two Spoons

Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu

Bulked up with plenty of protein-rich tofu and edamame, this is one hearty spring salad you just have to make to believe. Whether you set it out as a starter or make it the main course, it'll look absolutely stunning on you table. (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Sheet-Pan Lemon Chicken, Squash, & Green Beans

Sheet pan recipes will always have our heart, including this extremely painless medley of lemon chicken, squash, and green beans! You could also easily make any iteration of this easy spring dinner by swapping out different proteins, veggies, and seasonings. (via Brit + Co)

Brit + Co

Mango Curry Shrimp

The mango in this curry dish makes it all the more fresh and spring-worthy. You'll forget all about your fave takeout spot once you whip this up! (via Brit + Co)

Brittany Griffin

Chicken Salad Keto Lettuce Wraps

These refreshing lettuce wrap are filled with a creamy blue cheese-infused chicken salad alongside some walnuts and raspberries, making them a great healthy (and no-cook!) option to keep on deck this spring. (via Anna Monette Roberts for Brit + Co)

Live Eat Learn

10-Minute Chickpea Salad

In the vein of more no-cook meals, this colorful chickpea salad comes together in a mere 10 minutes – eat it solo, pack it into some tortillas – how ever you eat it, you'll be able to chow down super quick and feel satisfied. (via Live Eat Learn for Brit + Co)

The Original Dish

Sweet Potato Fritters with Dill Yogurt Sauce

Dill is one of our go-to spring flavors, and these yummy sweet potato fritters work it in wonderfully. An easy, homemade yogurt sauce is used to top each fritter with the vibrant tastes of both lemon and dill! Oh, so fresh! (via The Original Dish)

Pink Owl Kitchen

Creamy Garlic Tuscan Salmon

This pan-seared salmon is met with a glorious mix of creamy garlic sauce, spinach, and tomatoes for a flavorful, yet healthy touch. Plus, it's all made in one pan, so there's practically no cleanup time. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

Crowded Kitchen

Vegan Lemon Pasta

Packed with lemon, peas, and herbs, this pasta dish truly screams 'springtime.' It's also a great vegan fare to prep if you're hosting a dinner party for pals of all different diets. (via Crowded Kitchen)

The Real Food Dietitians

Apple Broccoli Cauliflower Salad with Lemon

Any time you can combine veggies and fruits, something so delicious comes to light. Case in point: this beautiful salad that's ideal for spring dinners! (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Feel Good Foodie

Mushroom & Peas Risotto

Risotto is way easier to make than you think – in fact, this recipe simplifies the process with a quick method to cooking it, so you're not hovering over the stove for nearly an hour waiting to eat! Plus, it packs in a beneficial amount of veggies, thanks to the addition of mushrooms and peas. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Takes Two Eggs

Air Fryer Gochujang Chicken

Air fryer meals are great for spring dinners because it means you simply don't have to fire up the oven and drench your home in more heat! This easy recipe leverages chicken thighs, smothering them in a sweet and spicy gochujang sauce that's loaded with unique flavors. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Rachel Mansfield

Hummus Crunch Salad with Crispy Za’atar Quinoa

Ooh, this one looks too good. Undoubtedly inspired by the Mediterranean diet, this salad is not your ordinary salad. It's stacked with a crunchy topping that truly makes every bite enjoyable, plus some chickpeas and a homemade hummus dressing for added protein! (via Rachel Mansfield)

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Fans have been enthralled by Outlander ever since it debuted in 2014 — hence why the show has gone on to have seven successful seasons, with the eighth and final season expected to premiere late this year or in 2026. Fans truly can't get enough of Claire and Jamie's great romance, and it doesn't have to completely end with season 8...or not exactly. Outlander prequel, Blood of My Blood comes out this summer and explores your favorite family from a very unique perspective. This is everything we know about Blood of My Blood!

Here's everything you need to know about the Outlander prequel, Blood of my Blood.

What's 'Outlander' about?

Starz

Outlander follows Claire Randall, a British Army nurse who, after serving in World War II, goes on a second honeymoon in Scotland with her husband, Frank. He is an MI6 officer preparing for a new career as an Oxford historian.

However, Claire's life takes a dramatic turn when she is mysteriously transported back to 1743, where her safety and freedom are at risk. In order to survive, she marries a strong and charismatic Scots warrior named Jamie Fraser. Then, as their relationship deepens, Claire finds herself torn between two very different men and two conflicting worlds.

How many seasons of 'Outlander' will there be?

Starz

Whether you're an OG fan of Outlander or a newcomer, many are upset about it coming to an end soon with Season 8. The good news is that you have a prequel series to look forward to, Outlander: Blood of My Blood.

What is the 'Outlander' prequel 'Blood of My Blood' about?

Starz

Outlander: Blood of My Blood explores two parallel origin stories: the romance between Jamie's parents, as well as Claire's parents' love story during the war. The show will highlight these two love stories, set in different time periods, as they unfold side by side.

Who's in the 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' cast?

Starz

Hermione Corfield and Jeremy Irvine star as Julia Moriston and Henry Beauchamp; meanwhile, Harriet Slater and Jamie Roy play Ellen MacKenzie and Brian Fraser.

The rest of the cast includes:

  • Tony Curran, Rory Alexander
  • Séamus McLean Ross
  • Sam Retford
  • Conor MacNeill
  • Brian McCardie
  • Jhon Lumsden
  • Sara Vickers
  • Peter Mullan
  • Sally Messham
  • Terence Rae
  • Sadhbh Malin
  • Alisa Davidson

Is there a trailer for 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'?

Starz

Back in January, Starz released a 52-second teaser trailer for the show on YouTube, and it's clear the Outlander prequel will be packed with just as much passion as the original series. Eager fans in the comment section seemed to agree, with many sharing their excitement for the new spinoff.

"I can't wait to see the two love stories that gave us our favorite love story," wrote one viewer.

"I am so obsessed with Outlander, and I'm so excited to keep watching it in a different light," added another.

"Outlander is a very beautiful but brutal story, and I hope this new spinoff series captures that magic as well," noted a third.

Where can I watch 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood'?

Starz

You can watch Blood of My Blood on Starz!

When does 'Outlander: Blood of My Blood' come out?

Starz

Outlander: Blood of My Blood is set to premiere summer 2025! We don't have an exact date right now, but we'll update you as soon as we do! In the meantime, you can revisit the original Outlander series. All seven seasons are available to stream on Hulu.

Looking for more TV & entertainment news? Be sure to follow us on Facebook so you never miss a thing!

When it comes to pantry staples, there's no doubting that pasta is pretty much the best of the best. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and pairs well with a multitude of foods, from veggies and proteins to sauces and cheeses. Pasta is also quite romantic (ooh!), and it’s practically a mealtime tradition come Valentine’s Day. That’s why I’m absolutely pumped about this brand-new find from Trader Joe’s – it’s perfect for the lovey-dovey holiday, so cute, and only costs $2!

Scroll on to discover this must-have Valentine’s Day item from Trader Joe’s.

@trader_joes_treasure_hunt

Yep, it’s baaack! Trader Joe’s just revealed so many new Valentine’s Day products for 2025, but the one I’m the most excited about is the Italian Artisan Heart-Shaped Pasta. These tiny pieces of pasta are shaped perfectly into little hearts to recall the season of love. One package includes a mix of plain white pastas and pink, naturally-colored pastas for a beautiful variety.

Reddit

The Trader Joe’s Italian Artisan Heart-Shaped Pasta is imported from Italy, so its quality and taste are unmatched. It cooks super quickly for only 6 to 8 minutes. Some shoppers have noted that boiling the pasta “gently” and not overcooking it helps it retain its heart shape.

@trader_joes_treasure_hunt

This adorable heart-shaped pasta would make a great base for a pasta entree for either an at-home Valentine's Day date or a Galentine’s party – once cooked, just toss the pasta in your favorite homemade or store-bought sauce, pair it with a protein (chicken or shrimp sound ahh-mazing!), and if you want to go the extra mile, oven-roast some seasoned veggies for a side. It’s really all about embracing the ‘choose your own adventure’ vibe when making a meal for V-Day.

Reddit

The Trader Joe’s Italian Artisan Heart-Shaped Pasta goes for just $2.49 for 1 pound of product. I’m definitely going to be stocking up with at least three bags at a time so I can serve the Galentine’s party I’m throwing this year (and save some for meals by myself). Plus, I can’t forget all the good V-Day sweets TJ’s just put on shelves.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing Trader Joe's finds!

I am undeniably a chocolate lover by nature, and aside from Christmas, Easter is one of my favoritesweet treat-centered holidays because all the festive egg- and bunny-shaped chocolates hit shelves, sparking my cravings (and teasing my wallet).

I’ve probably tried every kind of Easter chocolate under the sun, so I’m ranking the 5 I view as the most classic. All of these Easter chocolates are great in their own ways and will certainly satisfy anyone when added to their Easter basket, so take this ranking with a grain of salt.

Read on for my full ranking of the 5 best classic Easter chocolates.

Amazon

1. Cadbury Crème Eggs

When I think of Easter chocolates, my mind immediately goes to Cadbury Crème Eggs. They’re filled with a gooey fondant that is downright addictive. Once you break through the chocolate shell, you’re faced with a deliciously silky sugar concoction that, for me, feels really nostalgic to snack on since I’d get one in my Easter basket just about every year.

While some people may find ‘em too decadent, I think Cadbury Crème Eggs are the #1 Easter chocolate, hands-down, because they’re always tasty. We love a reliable treat – but you definitely do have to enjoy these one at a time since they’re undeniably rich.

Amazon

2. Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs

Next up on my (very subjective) ranking of Easter chocolates is none other than Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs! I’ll take Reese’s stunning peanut butter filling in any form I can have it, but the egg shape this treat takes on for Easter just makes it feel even more special.

Amazon

Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs totally master the perfect balance of chocolate and peanut butter, which can be a nice departure for my tastebuds from just straight-up chocolate, like the other Easter chocolates on this list. Thus, I’m placing it in the #2 spot.

Amazon

3. Easter M&M’s

I love me a colorful treat, and I love me some M&M’s – which is why the Easter M&M’s that come in the cutest pastels every April simply had to place somewhere this ranking.

Amazon

Though I don’t view these as the most show-stopping Easter chocolates (they’re quite literally the same as the regular M&M’s you can get year-round in flavor and form), they’re still a festive treat worth snagging from the store. By themselves, I have to put them in the #3 spot – though I’d consider granting more points if you give ‘em to me on top of a slice of Easter cake.

Amazon

4. Cadbury Mini Eggs

My note about colors also applies to the next Easter chocolate: Cadbury Mini Eggs. Decked out in adorable pastel candy shells, these egg-shaped chocolates always come around at Eastertime – though they’re not really the first thing I reach for. Though, when I do get my hands on them, I find that their small size makes them extremely snackable, and they disappear quite quickly.

Amazon

5. Chocolate Bunnies

I don't mean to be the Scrooge of Easter, but at this point, chocolate bunnies are so expected. I have eaten many in my lifetime, but they never truly blow me away. Don’t get me wrong: I still love chocolate, but there’s also something that feels so wrong when I bite off the bunny’s ears. And face. And body.

It would take a really great chocolate bunny to impress me – most ones I’ve had are lower in quality and vary in being too thick or too thin to bite into easily.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Flying doesn’t always have to be a stressful, chaotic experience. In fact, there are plenty of genius tricks to keep in your back pocket to make traveling as seamless and smooth as possible! From sneaky packing strategies to in-flight essentials you didn’t know you needed, these 7 simple travelhacks might just change the way you fly forever.

Scroll on for our 7 go-to travel hacks for making the trip easier every time.

Timur Weber / PEXELS

1. Roll your clothes.

Rolling your clothes is a huge help in saving space inside your backpack, duffle bag, or suitcase. Rolling garments tightly and packing them in is surprisingly much more efficient than traditional folding methods – plus it reduces wrinkles. Rolling comes in especially handy for bulkier items like maxi dresses, jeans, and jackets.

Timur Weber / PEXELS

2. Use packing cubes.

If you want to maximize even more space within your bag, packing cubes are definitely worth investing in. You can still roll your garments to pack ‘em, but placing them in packing cubes compresses their size down further. Plus, with multiple packing cubes, you can label each one and keep your things organized and easily accessible.

Tima Miroshnichenko / PEXELS

3. Bring an empty water bottle.

If you’re not doing this at the airport, what are you doing?! Probably spending $8 on a single bottled water. C’mon – bringing an empty water bottle is the simplest of all travel hacks. Just arrive with it completely empty to later fill it after passing through the TSA line. You’ll avoid paying for overpriced airport water and have limitless refill opportunities, even after you've arrived at your destination.

Valeriia Miller / PEXELS

4. Stuff small items inside shoes.

In the vein of more space-saving packing tricks, don’t underestimate the power of your shoes! From sneakers to boots, it’s so easy to use the insides of them to pack socks, lip balms, phone chargers, jewelry, or other small items.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

5. Use a pill organizer for small items.

You can also easily leverage a pill organizer for the smallest of your small items like rings, earrings, earplugs, and more. Of course, you can still use a pill organizer for necessary medications or those ‘just in case’ painkillers.

Samantha Mandato / PEXELS

6. Bring a travel pillow and eye mask.

Travel pillows and eye masks are absolutely essential for long flights, or even shorter trips that you foresee yourself sleeping on. Bring them on your next flight, and you’ll immediately notice the difference from not flying with these must-have accessories.

Anna Gordon / Dupe

7. Download entertainment before you board.

Finally, to avoid risking total in-flight boredom, make sure you plan ahead and download your desired form of entertainment beforehand! Since you can’t always rely on in-flight wifi, pick out and download the movies, music, or audiobooks you want to tune into in advance. For a screen-free moment, you can never go wrong with a book or crossword puzzle booklet!

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