Carbonara: Why You'll Love This Quick and Easy Recipe
This Quick Carbonara recipe ticks all the boxes for a busy weeknight meal. It’s fast, simple, and uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, it’s a real crowd-pleaser – even the pickiest eaters can’t resist its creamy, bacon-laden goodness. The best part? You can whip it up in just about 20 minutes!
Recipe Tips for Creamy Delicious
Mastering Carbonara comes down to nailing the timing and temperature. Follow these expert tips to create the ultimate dish with silky, flavourful results every time.
Crispy Pancetta or Bacon
Begin by frying your pancetta or bacon until it’s golden and crispy. This step creates a savoury crunch and adds a smoky depth to your Carbonara. Always opt for high-quality pancetta or bacon for the richest flavour.
Deglaze with Pasta Cooking Water
Before moving on, deglaze your pan with a splash of pasta cooking water. This not only loosens up those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan but also ensures every bit of flavour makes it into your sauce.
Egg Yolks for a Rich Base
Whisk egg yolks with grated Parmesan and a touch of cream in a bowl. This egg and cheese mixture is the heart of your Carbonara, giving it its creamy, velvety texture.
Low Heat is Key
Once your pasta is cooked, work quickly but keep the heat low. After draining the pasta (reserve that starchy pasta cooking water!), toss it with the crispy pancetta or bacon. Slowly add the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add a splash of pasta cooking water as needed to create a glossy sauce.
Finish with Fresh Parsley
Complete your Carbonara with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This pop of colour and herbaceous note perfectly balances the dish’s rich flavours.
With these simple steps, you’ll master the art of a creamy, irresistible Carbonara every time
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This creamy carbonara recipe is a rich and satisfying dish on its own, but you can elevate your meal with a few simple sides and pairings:
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect counterbalance to the creamy Carbonara. Try a simple mix of rocket, cherry tomatoes, and shaved Parmesan.
- Garlic Bread: Serve your Carbonara with warm garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence. The garlicky, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
- Wine Pairing: A light, dry white wine like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully with Carbonara. The acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the sauce, creating a harmonious balance.
Other Pasta Recipes You'll Love
If you enjoy this Quick Carbonara recipe, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious pasta recipes:
Don’t forget to take a picture and share with me on instagram @steph_cooks_stuff.
Final Touches for Your Carbonara
Once your Carbonara is ready, garnish with a little extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve it hot and enjoy every bite of this creamy, dreamy pasta dish. Don’t forget to take a picture of your beautiful creation and share it with me on social media! 📸
Remember, great meals don’t have to be complicated. With this Quick Carbonara recipe, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home without any hassle. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking! 🍳👩🍳
Don’t forget to grab your copy of the Fasta Pasta eBook for even more fantastic pasta recipes that will make your weeknight dinners a breeze. 📚
Enjoy your mealtime, and don’t forget to tag me in your delicious Carbonara pictures! 📸
Quick Carbonara
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hello lovely people! 😊 Excited to share my go-to Quick Carbonara recipe with you! Super easy and incredibly tasty, it’s perfect for those busy nights! 🍝
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by frying the bacon until it’s nice and crispy.
- Pour in your wine or stock and scrape all those lovely brown bits into your sauce.
- Turn the heat down to low.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, and grated Parmesan.
- Add in 1 cup of hot pasta water and whisk again.
- Toss the cooked fettuccine into the bacon, and then pour the egg mixture over the pasta.
- Stir until you have a thick creamy sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and voilà!
- You’ve got yourself a delicious meal in no time!
- Enjoy your mealtime, and don’t forget to tag me in your
- delicious Carbonara pictures! 📸
- Just comment “Pasta” below to get the link to purchase in your DMs. 📚✨
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice for Carbonara, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Spaghetti, linguine, or even penne work well with this creamy sauce. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose. The key is to ensure the pasta is al dente – cooked but still firm to the bite.
If you prefer not to use wine or stock, you can substitute it with pasta water. The starchy water helps to deglaze the pan and create a smooth sauce. Alternatively, you can use a splash of milk or cream if you want an even richer flavour. Just remember, the liquid is essential for scraping up the browned bits from the bacon, which adds depth to the sauce.
The secret to a silky, smooth Carbonara sauce lies in controlling the heat and adding the ingredients in the right order. Here are a few tips:
- Low Heat: After frying the bacon and adding the wine or stock, reduce the heat to low before adding the egg mixture. This prevents the eggs from cooking too quickly.
- Temper the Eggs: Mix a cup of hot pasta water into the egg, cream, and Parmesan mixture before combining it with the pasta. This step helps to gently heat the eggs without scrambling them.
- Stir Constantly: When you pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stir continuously. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs gently, creating a creamy sauce instead of scrambled eggs.