Irresistible Spaghetti Carbonara
When it comes to classic Italian pasta dishes, Spaghetti Carbonara is an absolute favorite. Its simple yet heavenly combination of pasta, crispy bacon, eggs, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor symphony that’s hard to resist. Today, we’re taking this beloved classic and giving it a delightful twist that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy.
You can also check out our other recipes for Pasta & Noodles.
Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara
Get ready to indulge in Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara with a secret ingredient that elevates it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 14 oz spaghetti
- 10 oz ham or bacon
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 6 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- 4 pcs egg yolks
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the spaghetti according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti in a colander.
- Finely chop the garlic cloves or press them through a garlic press.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet, then add the chopped garlic. Lightly brown the garlic in the oil.
- Finely chop the ham or bacon, then add it to the skillet with the garlic. Fry for about 5 minutes until the ham or bacon is cooked and slightly crispy.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese using a fine grater.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks with the cream. Add a pinch of salt to the mixture.
- Return the cooked spaghetti to a saucepan. Add the garlic and ham or bacon mixture to the spaghetti.
- Pour the beaten egg yolks and cream mixture over the spaghetti mixture.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the pan as well. Stir everything together to combine the ingredients.
- Keep the pan on low heat for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly. This allows the heat from the pasta to cook the egg yolks and create a creamy sauce. Be careful not to overcook, as you don’t want the eggs to scramble.
- Season your Pasta Carbonara with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- You can garnish your dish with fresh herbs if you like.
Notes
- Opt for high-quality olive oil, Parmesan cheese, and bacon or ham. Quality ingredients make a significant difference in the final flavor.
- When browning garlic, use low to medium heat to avoid burning it. Burnt garlic can give your dish a bitter taste.
- Make sure to cook the bacon or ham until it’s crispy. This adds a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to your Carbonara.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for the best flavor. Pre-packaged, pre-grated cheese may not have the same depth of taste.
- When adding the egg yolks and cream mixture to the pasta, do it slowly and while stirring. This “tempering” process prevents the eggs from scrambling when they come into contact with the hot pasta.
- While heating the pasta with the creamy mixture, maintain low heat and stir continuously. Be patient; this gentle cooking process ensures a silky, creamy sauce without overcooking the eggs.
- Get creative with garnishes. In addition to fresh herbs, consider adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or some sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of flavor.
- Carbonara is best enjoyed right after cooking. Serve it hot to savor its creamy, indulgent flavors at their peak.
- Don’t be afraid to personalize your Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara. If you prefer more or less creaminess, adjust the amount of cream accordingly. Add more black pepper for extra spice, or experiment with different types of pasta for unique textures.
