Think of comfort food and you’ll likely picture the smooth, indulgent feel of a creamy carbonara recipe. It comes from Rome and has become a favorite over years. It starts with egg, sharp cheese, pepper, and cured pork. By adding cream, it turns into a rich, fulfilling dish.
This is the ultimate comfort dish, blending crispy pancetta with a rich, cheesy sauce. If you need an easy carbonara recipe with cream for dinner or wonder how to make creamy carbonara like an Italian chef, look no further. Get ready to make a spaghetti carbonara with cream that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Carbonara Recipe With Cream: Ingredients for the Best Creamy Carbonara
Creating an impeccable creamy carbonara starts with selecting the right ingredients. Let’s explore the essentials:
For carbonara, spaghetti is a classic pick, but fettuccine or rigatoni are also great. Guanciale is the traditional choice for that authentic taste. Pancetta is a tasty alternative. Creamy sauce easy creamy carbonara recipe is key, using heavy cream or half and half. It differs from the usual egg-only method, making the texture richer.
Freshness of the Parmesan cheese is crucial, so grate 1 ½ cups freshly. Freshly ground black pepper adds that signature flavour. For a hint of herbiness, adding chopped basil beautifies and aromatises, elevating the meal.
Here’s a detailed look at the specific quantities and nutritional aspects:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pasta | 8 ounces (spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni) |
| Pancetta | 6 ounces (chopped) |
| Cream | 2 cups of half and half |
| Egg Yolks | 2 large |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 ½ cups (freshly grated) |
| Black Pepper | 1 teaspoon (freshly ground) |
| Basil | 4 tablespoons (chopped) |
Using these ingredients makes carbonara recipe with cream a hearty and rich carbonara. Each component not only adds to the unique taste but also offers nutritional benefits. For example, a serving has 31g of protein for muscle repair and growth, plus a good amount of calcium needed for bones.
Mastering carbonara means mixing tradition with your own twist. This enables making a creamy carbonara that suits various tastes and needs. Careful selection and preparation of these ingredients let you enjoy this famous Italian dish fully.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Creamy Carbonara
Making creamy spaghetti carbonara is simple. Let’s dive into an easy recipe you’ll love to repeat. Start by boiling 4 litres of water in a big pot, adding a tablespoon of salt. After it boils, add 400g of dried spaghetti. Cook carbonara recipe with cream until it’s al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Remember to keep 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
While the pasta cooks, it’s time to prep the key ingredients. Chop 175g of guanciale (or some high-quality smoked bacon) into small pieces, about 0.5 cm thick. Then, fry them in a large pan over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until they’re golden and crispy.
Now, let’s make the rich sauce. In a bowl, mix 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 30g of finely grated Parmesan. Season with black pepper. Gradually add 1/2 cup of the pasta water you saved. This helps temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.
After the pasta is ready, throw it into the pan with the crispy guanciale. Mix well. Remove from heat and quickly pour the egg mixture over it. Stir quickly to make a smooth sauce that covers the pasta nicely. Add more of the pasta water if you need to get it just right. Serve it steaming hot. Sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top. This carbonara recipe with cream dish serves four, ideal for a family or a cozy dinner for two with some to spare.