While both Alfredo and Carbonara are white creamy sauces with cheese, the similarities stop there. Alfredo sauce is made with generous amounts of butter, heavy cream and Parmesan. Carbonara is made with eggs, starchy pasta water and Pecorino Romano. Pasta Carbonara is also distinguished by salty, savory, crispy pieces of pork (guanciale, or easier to find pancetta or thick-cut bacon), that permeate the whole dish.