The primary ingredient in a traditional spaghetti carbonara is pasta, specifically spaghetti. This iconic Italian dish is made by cooking spaghetti al dente and then combining it with a sauce made from eggs, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, pancetta or guanciale, and black pepper. The heat from the pasta gently cooks the eggs, creating a creamy sauce without the use of cream. Originating from Roman cuisine, spaghetti carbonara highlights the simplicity and richness of Italian cooking, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal that is widely loved around the world.