How to Cook Pasta Carbonara I in 5 Minutes

Nothing beats a classic spaghetti carbonara, with its creamy texture and rich flavors. Today, we’re diving into one of the most beloved Italian dishes, celebrated for its simplicity and deliciousness. Below, we’ve compiled the top 3 spaghetti carbonara recipes that you can easily recreate at home, impressing your family and friends with your culinary skills. Let’s get cooking!

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

This traditional recipe is a true comfort food, ideal for any occasion. The key ingredients create a surprisingly rich flavor profile.

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Ingredients:

  • 400g spaghetti
  • 150g guanciale (or pancetta), diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 100g Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. In a pan, cook the guanciale over medium heat until it becomes crispy. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk the eggs and then add the grated Pecorino cheese, mixing until well combined.
  4. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti.
  5. Quickly combine the hot spaghetti with the guanciale, and then the egg and cheese mixture. Add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
  6. Season with salt and pepper, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Spinach and Mushroom Carbonara

If you want to add a twist to the traditional recipe, try this delectable version featuring fresh spinach and mushrooms.

Spinach and Mushroom Carbonara

Ingredients:

  • 400g fettuccine
  • 200g cremini mushrooms, sliced
  • 150g fresh spinach
  • 2 large eggs
  • 75g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic, minced (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Cook the fettuccine in salted water until al dente.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté the mushrooms and garlic until golden brown.
  3. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted.
  4. In a bowl, whisk eggs and mix in grated Parmesan cheese.
  5. Toss the drained pasta with the mushrooms and spinach, and remove from heat.
  6. Add the egg and cheese mixture, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.

Spicy Carbonara with Cherry Tomatoes

This vibrant version incorporates spicy elements for those who enjoy a kick in their pasta dishes.

Spicy Carbonara with Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

  • 300g spaghetti
  • 100g diced pancetta
  • 2 large eggs
  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 75g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the spaghetti in boiling salted water until al dente.
  2. In a skillet, cook the pancetta until crispy, then add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes, sautéing for a few minutes.
  3. In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Parmesan cheese.
  4. Combine the cooked spaghetti with the pancetta and tomatoes, off the heat.
  5. Add the egg mixture, tossing quickly until a creamy sauce forms. Adjust with salt and pepper.
  6. Garnish with basil and serve immediately.

Now that you’ve discovered three fantastic variants of spaghetti carbonara, it’s time to gather your ingredients and start cooking. Enjoy the process and share these recipes with friends and family!