What is the primary ingredient in Carbonara sauce?

The primary ingredient in Carbonara sauce is bacon, which is often referred to as guanciale in traditional Italian recipes. This key component provides the dish with its distinctive smoky flavor and rich texture. The preparation typically involves rendering the bacon until it's crispy, which then releases its fat, used to create a creamy sauce when mixed with eggs and cheese. This combination gives Carbonara its characteristic taste and is fundamental to the dish's identity. Other ingredients like pasta, eggs, and cheese complement the bacon, but it is the bacon that serves as the heart of the sauce.