Spaghetti Carbonara with Cream Dinner Recipe

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Imagine waking hungry and tired after a long day, only to whip up a restaurant-quality pasta dish in just 30 minutes. That’s precisely what this spaghetti carbonara with cream recipe offers. While traditionalists might argue that authentic carbonara doesn’t contain cream, this creamy variation has become immensely popular in American kitchens for good reason – it creates a silky, luxurious sauce that’s more forgiving for home cooks and delicious. This spaghetti carbonara with cream transforms simple ingredients into a comforting, elegant meal that feels like a warm hug in pasta form. Perfect for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for weekend entertaining, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between convenience and indulgence.

Ingredients List

For this delectable spaghetti carbonara with cream recipe that serves 4, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) spaghetti
• 8 oz (225g) pancetta or bacon, diced (pancetta provides a more authentic flavor, but bacon works beautifully too)
• 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 2 large whole eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese (can substitute with additional Parmesan if unavailable)
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Tips:

• For a lighter version, you can substitute half the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk
• Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting – freshly grated makes a significant difference in texture
• The warmth of room-temperature eggs helps create a smooth sauce without scrambling

Timing

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

This spaghetti carbonara with cream can be on your table in half the time it takes to get delivery food – and tastes infinitely better. The 30-minute total preparation is approximately 40% faster than traditional pasta dishes that require longer sauce reductions, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious but you don’t want to compromise on flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you begin cooking, it’s crucial to have everything measured and ready. This spaghetti carbonara with cream comes together quickly, and proper preparation prevents the sauce from overcooking or the eggs from scrambling.

• Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil for the pasta
• In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, whole eggs, and heavy cream until well combined
• Grate both cheeses and combine them in a small bowl
• Chop the parsley and set aside for garnish

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

• Add the spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes)
• Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining – this is your secret ingredient for a silky sauce!
• Pro tip: Test the pasta about 1 minute before the package suggests – it should have a slight bite to it as it will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the hot sauce

Step 3: Prepare the Bacon or Pancetta

• While the pasta cooks, heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat
• Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes
• Add the minced garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking, being careful not to let it burn
• If there’s excessive fat (more than 2 tablespoons), drain some but leave enough to coat the pasta

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool for about 1 minute (this prevents the eggs from scrambling)
• With the pan off the heat, add the drained hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and toss quickly to coat with the rendered fat
• Slowly pour in the egg and cream mixture while continuously tossing the pasta to prevent the eggs from scrambling
• The residual heat will cook the eggs just enough to create a safe, creamy sauce

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Finish

• Gradually sprinkle in most of the cheese mixture while continuing to toss the pasta
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency
• Season with freshly ground black pepper and taste before adding any salt (the cheese and pancetta already contain salt)
• Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the silky, creamy sauce

Step 6: Serve Your Masterpiece

• Immediately transfer your spaghetti carbonara with cream to warm plates
• Garnish with the remaining cheese, extra black pepper, and chopped parsley
• Serve right away – this dish is at its creamy best when freshly made

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutritional content of your spaghetti carbonara with cream helps you make informed choices about portion sizes and frequency of enjoyment. This classic comfort food is undeniably indulgent but can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed mindfully.

• This dish provides approximately 35% of daily protein needs
• A rich source of calcium (25% of daily needs) from the cheese
• Contains significant amounts of vitamin A and vitamin D from eggs and dairy

Healthier Alternatives for spaghetti carbonara with cream

Love spaghetti carbonara with cream but looking for ways to make it more nutritious without sacrificing flavor? Here are some smart modifications:

• Lighten the cream: Replace half or all of the heavy cream with evaporated milk, Greek yogurt, or cashew cream for a lighter version with fewer calories and less saturated fat
• Pasta alternatives: Try whole wheat or legume-based pasta (chickpea, lentil) for added fiber and protein
• Increase the veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, peas, asparagus tips, or spinach to incorporate more nutrients and volume without many additional calories
• Meat substitutions: Use turkey bacon or lean Canadian bacon to reduce fat content while maintaining the smoky flavor profile
• Egg adjustments: Use 2 whole eggs and 2 egg whites instead of additional yolks to lower cholesterol while maintaining creaminess

A healthier version of spaghetti carbonara with cream can reduce calories by approximately 25% and increase fiber content significantly while still delivering the comfort food experience you crave.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your spaghetti carbonara with cream experience with these complementary pairings:

• Wine pairing: A crisp Pinot Grigio or medium-bodied Chardonnay beautifully balances the richness of the cream sauce
• Side salad: Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to cut through the richness
• Garlic bread: For true comfort food indulgence, a slice of garlic bread makes for perfect sauce-sopping
• Vegetable sides: Roasted asparagus, broccolini, or a side of lemon-dressed zucchini provides a fresh contrast
• Presentation ideas: Serve in warmed pasta bowls with a spiral presentation using tongs to create height, finishing with a light dusting of additional cheese and black pepper

For a complete Italian-inspired meal experience, consider starting with a light antipasto of marinated vegetables before serving your main course of spaghetti carbonara with cream.

Recommend:

• Dominican spaghetti
• Spaghetti seasoning

FAQ spaghetti carbonara with cream

1. Do you put cream in spaghetti carbonara?

Traditional Italian carbonara has no cream. It gets its creaminess from eggs and cheese. However, many non-Italian versions add cream for a silkier, more foolproof sauce.

2. What are the 5 ingredients in carbonara?

1. Pasta (usually spaghetti)
2. Guanciale (or pancetta/bacon)
3. Eggs
4. Hard cheese (Pecorino Romano and/or Parmesan)
5. Black pepper

3. What is the secret to creamy carbonara?

Temperature control is key. Remove the pan from the heat before adding eggs, use starchy pasta water, and constantly toss the pasta while adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling. Room-temperature eggs also help create a smooth sauce.

4. Why do some people put cream in carbonara?

People add cream because:

• It’s less likely to scramble
• It creates a silkier texture
• It’s more forgiving for beginners
• It’s become popular in restaurants outside of Italy
• It produces a milder flavor that many people prefer

Enjoy your homemade spaghetti carbonara with cream – a dish that proves elegant, creamy pasta perfection is achievable in your kitchen in just 30 minutes!