The 10-Minute 'Nduja Carbonara Recipe

A Fiery Twist on a Roman Food Classic

There are few dishes in the Italian culinary canon as sacred as Carbonara. Traditionalists will tell you that it requires just five ingredients: pasta, guanciale, pecorino Romano, egg yolks, and plenty of black pepper.

But sometimes, a busy weeknight calls for a little culinary rebellion. Those traditionalists should probably look away now!

Enter the 'Nduja Carbonara. By introducing Calabria’s famous spicy, spreadable pork salami to the classic Roman egg-and-cheese base, you get a velvety, smoky, and beautifully fiery pasta dish that comes together in the exact amount of time it takes to boil your spaghetti.

Using long-life staples from the Carluccio’s larder, this is the ultimate "pantry-raid" meal—fast, comforting, and packed with incredible depth of flavour.

Why 'Nduja and Carbonara are a Match Made in Heaven

'Nduja (pronounced en-DOO-ya) is a spreadable salami from Calabria, cured with roasted hot chilli peppers. When heated, it melts into a rich, vibrant oil.

In this recipe, the 'Nduja acts as a shortcut to intense flavour. The spicy, smoky notes of the salami cut beautifully through the rich, creamy emulsion of the egg yolks and cheese, giving the classic dish a completely new dimension.

Even better? Because 'Nduja is fully cured and jarred, it keeps in the fridge for weeks, making it the perfect standby ingredient for quick dinners.

The Pantry Ingredients

+-----------------------------------------------------------------+
|                       PANTRY CHECKLIST                          |
|                                                                 |
|   [ Spaghetti or Bucatini ] --> Bronze-die for maximum cling    |
|   [ 'Nduja Paste ]          --> The fiery, smoky Calabrian star |
|   [ Pecorino and/or Parmesan ]  --> Sharp, salty, aged cheese   |
|   [ Fresh Eggs ]            --> The key to a velvety emulsion   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------+

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

• Prep time: 2 minutes

• Cook time: 8 minutes

• Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 200g high-quality Spaghetti or Bucatini

• 2 tbsp Carluccio's 'Nduja Spicy Salami Spread

• 2 large egg yolks + 1 whole egg

• 50g Pecorino Romano (or Parmesan), finely grated, plus extra for serving

• Salt for the pasta water

Method:

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente (usually about 8 to 10 minutes).

2. Whisk the Carbonara Base

While the pasta cooks, whisk the egg yolks, whole egg, and grated cheese together in a small bowl until they form a thick, pale paste. Season with a tiny pinch of salt (the 'Nduja and cheese are already quite salty!).

3. Melt the 'Nduja

In a large frying pan over low heat, add the 'Nduja spread. You don't need any oil—the heat will naturally melt the salami, releasing its rich, red, flavourful oils. Stir it gently for about 1 to 2 minutes until it is warm and fragrant. Turn off the heat.

4. Combine and Emulsify

Just before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water (this is your secret weapon).

Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan with the melted 'Nduja. Toss well so every strand is coated in the spicy oil.

5. Create the Creamy Sauce

Let the pan cool for about 30 seconds (if it's too hot, the eggs will scramble). Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, along with a splash (about 2–3 tablespoons) of the reserved pasta water.

Toss and stir vigorously. The residual heat of the pasta will cook the eggs gently, while the starch in the water emulsifies with the cheese and 'Nduja oils to create a glossy, orange-hued, velvety sauce. Add a splash more pasta water if it looks too thick.

How to Serve

Divide the pasta into warm bowls, top with an extra grating of Pecorino Romano, and serve immediately.

Chef's Tip: To keep the focus on the spicy kick of the 'Nduja, skip the traditional black pepper of a classic Carbonara. The Calabrian chilies in the paste provide all the warmth and complexity you need.

Looking to stock up on weeknight lifesavers? Browse our online larder to grab a jar of our authentic 'Nduja and premium bronze-die pasta.