Save to Pinterest Experience the magic of making classic Italian carbonara in just 15 minutes with this creamy, comforting recipe. By using simple everyday ingredients and a clever technique, you can whip up a luscious sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta, delivering rich flavor and satisfying texture with minimal fuss.
Save to Pinterest This recipe balances creamy decadence with crispy pancetta for a satisfying texture contrast. Whisking the sauce ingredients separately before combining with pasta ensures a silky smooth finish without scrambling the eggs. Whether you’re a carbonara veteran or trying it for the first time, this hack will quickly become a favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients
- Pasta
- 200 g (7 oz) spaghetti or other long pasta
- Sauce
- 2 large eggs
- 60 g (1/2 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Meats
- 100 g (3.5 oz) pancetta or thick-cut bacon, diced
- Extras
- 1 clove garlic, peeled (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1. Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- 2. Cook Pancetta
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta or bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Optionally, add the whole garlic clove for extra flavor, then remove it before the next step.
- 3. Prepare Sauce
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.
- 4. Combine
- Add drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon. Remove from heat. Quickly pour in the egg-cheese-cream mixture, tossing vigorously to coat the pasta and create a silky sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.
- 5. Serve
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and black pepper.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the pancetta and substitute with sautéed mushrooms for a similar richness. Using Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan cheese adds a sharper, saltier flavor and elevates authenticity.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is very flexible; swapping spaghetti for any long pasta works great. Feel free to skip the garlic clove for a simpler taste or add extra black pepper if you like a bit of heat. To keep the sauce ultra creamy, carefully add reserved pasta water as needed.
Serviervorschläge
Pair this creamy carbonara with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio to cut through the richness. Serve with a fresh green salad or toasted garlic bread to balance the meal.
Save to Pinterest This 15-Minute Creamy Carbonara Hack showcases how simple techniques and quality ingredients can transform a dinner into a memorable experience. With this method, you’ll enjoy a restaurant-worthy Italian classic anytime without stress or long cooking times.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What pasta works best for this carbonara?
Long pasta like spaghetti is ideal for coating evenly with the creamy sauce, but fettuccine or linguine can also be used.
- → How do I get the sauce creamy without scrambling the eggs?
Remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture and toss quickly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without curdling.
- → Can I substitute pancetta if unavailable?
Bacon is a great alternative that provides a similar smoky, savory flavor in this dish.
- → What is the purpose of reserved pasta water?
A small amount of reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce’s consistency and promotes smooth coating on the pasta.
- → How can I make a vegetarian version of this dish?
Replace pancetta with sautéed mushrooms to maintain savory umami notes while keeping it meat-free.
- → Is it necessary to add heavy cream in this sauce?
Heavy cream enriches the sauce and adds extra silkiness, but traditional carbonara often excludes it if preferred.