Creamy Carbonara Recipe

A Taste of Italy

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its rich, creamy sauce and savory flavor profile. Originating from Rome, it typically consists of spaghetti or fettuccine noodles tossed with a sauce made from eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and cured pork such as bacon or pancetta.

Essential Ingredients

• Pasta: Traditionally, spaghetti is used, but you can also use fettuccine or linguine.
• Pancetta or Bacon: The salty, savory flavor of pancetta or bacon adds depth to the dish.
• Eggs: Eggs form the base of the creamy sauce, giving it its signature texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds richness and flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic and Black Pepper: These aromatic ingredients add complexity and depth of flavor to the dish.

The Art of Preparation

Creating Creamy Carbonara is as much about technique as it is about ingredients. From cooking the pasta to tempering the eggs, each step requires precision and attention to detail to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy Carbonara is best enjoyed hot off the stove, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper. Pair it with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite wine for a complete and satisfying meal.

Health Benefits

1. Protein: Eggs and pancetta or bacon used in Creamy Carbonara are rich sources of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
2. Vitamins and Minerals: Creamy Carbonara contains ingredients such as eggs and Parmesan cheese, which provide important vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus.
3. Moderate Carbohydrates: Pasta, the main component of Creamy Carbonara, provides carbohydrates, which are a primary source of energy for the body. When consumed in moderation, carbohydrates can be part of a balanced diet.
4. Healthy Fats: While pancetta or bacon contributes fat to the dish, it also provides flavor and satiety. Additionally, olive oil used for sautéing garlic adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
5. Portion Control: Enjoying Creamy Carbonara in moderation can help control portion sizes and prevent overeating, making it a satisfying yet balanced meal option.
6. Occasional Indulgence: Treating yourself to Creamy Carbonara occasionally can contribute to overall mental well-being by allowing you to enjoy your favorite foods in moderation without guilt.

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Creamy Carbonara Recipe

Author: Yum Platter Cuisine: Italian Courses: Breakfast, Lunch Recipe Keys: Dairy High Protein Vegan

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 600

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Ingredients

Servings

• 8 oz Spaghetti or Fettuccine
• 4 Slices Bacon or Pancetta (Diced)
• 2 clove Garlic (Minced)
• 2 l Eggs
• ¹⁄₂ cup Heavy Cream (120ml)
• ¹⁄₂ cup Parmesan Cheese (Plus extra for serving)
• Salt (To taste)
• Black Pepper (To taste)
• Fresh Parsley (Optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook The Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

   

2. Cook The Bacon

   In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon or pancetta over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Set aside.

   

3. Prepare The Sauce

   In the same skillet with the rendered bacon fat, add minced garlic and cook over medium heat for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove the skillet from heat.

   

4. Make The Creamy Sauce

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

   

5. Combine Everything

   Return the skillet with the garlic to low heat. Add the cooked pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet and toss to combine. Pour the creamy egg mixture over the pasta and quickly toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out.

   

6. Servings

   Season the carbonara with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while still warm.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 600kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 35g54%

Saturated Fat 17g85%

Cholesterol 230mg77%

Sodium 750mg32%

Total Carbohydrate 43g15%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 2g

Protein 26g52%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients, especially eggs and Parmesan cheese, as they are key to achieving a delicious flavor.

2. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente, meaning it's firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy texture.

3. Temper Eggs: When adding the egg and cheese mixture to the hot pasta, be sure to temper the eggs by gradually adding a small amount of hot pasta water. This prevents the eggs from scrambling and creates a creamy sauce.

4. Don't Forget the Pancetta or Bacon: Pancetta or bacon adds a rich, savory flavor to the dish. Cook it until crispy for maximum flavor and texture.

5. Seasoning Matters: Season the pasta water generously with salt before cooking the pasta. This flavors the pasta from within and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

6. Toss Off the Heat: Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the egg and cheese mixture to the pasta. Toss the pasta quickly to coat it evenly with the sauce, ensuring a creamy texture.

7. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Conversely, if it's too thin, allow it to cook for a bit longer to thicken.

8. Serve Immediately: Creamy Carbonara is best served immediately after tossing with the sauce to prevent it from becoming gummy or dry.

Enjoy your Creamy Carbonara!