Pasta Ala Carbonara
Creamy pasta with savory bacon, mushrooms, onions, and a touch of Parmesan, perfect for a hearty, flavorful Italian-inspired meal that satisfies all cravings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb sugar-cured bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces
- olive oil ⓘ
- 1 lb white onions, cut into 1-inch pieces ⓘ
- butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced ⓘ
- 1 c whipping cream or half and half ⓘ
- 2/3 c chopped parsley
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 c grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp crushed dried Italian red peppers ⓘ
- 2 lb semolina pasta ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the sugar-cured bacon in a skillet until just before it gets too crisp, then drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- Pour enough olive oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom and heat over medium.
- Add the white onions and cook until soft, being careful not to burn them.
- Add more oil if necessary during cooking.
- Remove the onions from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
- In the same skillet, add a little butter and cook the sliced mushrooms until almost soft, avoiding overcooking.
- Combine the cooked onions and bacon in the skillet and mix well over low heat.
- Meanwhile, cook the semolina pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, whipping cream or half and half, and crushed dried Italian red peppers.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with bacon, onions, and mushrooms, then pour the egg mixture over the top.
- Toss everything together quickly to coat the pasta evenly and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using pancetta instead of bacon. You can also substitute the whipping cream with a lighter option like low-fat milk, but the texture may be slightly different. Ensure the pasta is al dente for the best results, as it will continue to cook slightly after combining with the sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with Fettuccine Carbonara for a delightful Italian meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Pasta Ala Carbonara hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for a pop of color. A simple side salad or Garlic Bread works wonderfully alongside this dish. For a complete Italian experience, consider pairing it with Joe'S Shrimp Marsala or a refreshing glass of white wine.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to help revive the sauce's creaminess. Stir gently until heated through to avoid overcooking the eggs in the dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta Ala Carbonara contains roughly 1408 calories, with 15g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 119g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (111% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and potassium (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 9g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make a vegetarian version by omitting the bacon and using sautéed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for added flavor. For a creamy texture, consider adding a touch of nutritional yeast or a plant-based cream alternative to mimic the richness of the dish.
How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?
To prevent the eggs from scrambling, remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture. Toss the pasta quickly with the hot ingredients to gently cook the eggs without turning them into scrambled eggs. The residual heat will create a creamy sauce instead.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
While semolina pasta is traditional, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture. Choose a pasta that can hold onto the sauce well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed based on the type of pasta you choose.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).