StudentMealSaver

Budget Friendly Meals and tips for Students

Pasta Carbonara (Italian)

Indulge in Italian Comfort

Transport your taste buds to Italy with this classic and indulgent dish known as Pasta Carbonara! This beloved Italian pasta dish features a creamy sauce made with eggs, cheese, and pancetta or bacon, tossed with spaghetti or linguine. It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for a cozy and satisfying meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create an impressive and flavourful pasta dish that’s sure to please. Plus, we’ll share some tips on how to make a vegetarian version of this Italian classic.

Tips:

  • To make a vegetarian version of Pasta Carbonara, you can omit the pancetta or bacon and use alternative options such as meatless bacon, tempeh, or mushrooms for a smoky and savoury flavour.
  • For meatless bacon or tempeh, simply cook them according to package instructions until crispy and use as a substitute for pancetta or bacon in the recipe.
  • If using mushrooms, you can slice or dice them and sauté them in olive oil or butter until golden brown and crispy, then use them in place of pancetta or bacon.
  • You can also add additional vegetables such as peas, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for added texture and freshness.
  • Adjust the seasoning and salt to taste, as meatless options may have different levels of saltiness.
  • Vegans can use plant-based alternatives such as vegan cheese, vegan bacon or tempeh, and plant-based milk or cream for a dairy-free version.

Serving: 4

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Cost: $6-8

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
  3. In a large skillet, cook the diced pancetta or bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  4. In the same skillet with the rendered fat, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the garlic and toss to coat the pasta in the rendered fat.
  6. Remove the skillet from the heat and pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing quickly to evenly coat the pasta.
  7. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce.
  8. Add the crispy pancetta or bacon back to the skillet and toss to combine.
  9. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  11. Serve the Pasta Carbonara hot and enjoy the creamy, flavorful goodness!

Ingredients

  • 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan cheese)
  • 4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)