What is the main ingredient in alla carbonara?

The main ingredient in pasta alla carbonara is guanciale, which is an Italian cured meat made from pork cheek or jowl. This dish also typically includes eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper, creating a rich and creamy sauce when combined with the pasta. The traditional recipe does not use cream, relying instead on the emulsification of the egg and cheese with the pasta's starchy water.