Creamy 4 Ingredient Carbonara Pasta - Go Cook Yummy (2024)

Get ready to indulge in a delightful Creamy Carbonara Pasta made from just 4 simple ingredients! This easy-to-make Italian classic is the perfect balance of savory bacon, al dente spaghetti, velvety egg sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

I am so thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite pasta dishes. And today we will go further and will make it from only 4 ingredients.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Victoria, can a delicious carbonara really be made with just four simple ingredients?”

Oh, believe me, it absolutely can! In fact, this fabulous recipe is not only a breeze to prepare but also a delightful treat for your taste buds, and nobody will notice that you used only 4 ingredients to make this carbonara. It will have almost the same creamy texture.

Before we roll up our sleeves and dive into this heavenly dish, let’s chat a bit more about what makes this carbonara so special, shall we?

You see, in Italy, there is a saying: “La semplicità è la madre della perfezione” – simplicity is the mother of perfection.

And this carbonara, with its humble list of ingredients, is the epitome of that philosophy. The beauty of this dish lies in the harmony of its components, each one shining through in every blissful bite.

Wait a minute. What about cream? Isn’t it an essential ingredient in carbonara?

Well, my lovelies, that’s a common misconception! The authentic Italian version of this dish does not include cream. Instead, you should use a magical union of eggs and cheese to create that dreamy, creamy texture.

Trust me, once you’ve tried it this way, you’ll never go back to the cream-laden version again!

Just picture this: crispy bacon, al dente spaghetti, a velvety egg sauce, and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese… Mamma Mia, that’s what I call a perfect Italian symphony!

This dish is perfect for those nights when you crave comfort food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, or when you want to impress your friends with your culinary prowess.

As we dive into this culinary adventure together, I’ll guide you step by step, making sure you create the most scrumptious carbonara you’ve ever tasted.

And remember, the secret to cooking like an Italian is not just following a recipe, but putting your heart and soul into every dish.

To make the cooking process easier, I’ll be sharing some of my personal tips and tricks to elevate your carbonara to new heights.

We’ll talk about selecting the perfect bacon (or pancetta, if you want to go full-Italian), cooking the pasta just right, and achieving that silky-smooth sauce that will have you swooning with delight.

So, grab a glass of wine or your favorite drink, and let’s have some fun in the kitchen while we whip up this mouthwatering masterpiece!

🥰 Why You Will Love This Recipe?

• The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just four staple ingredients, you can create a luscious, mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds. No need for complex techniques or lengthy shopping lists—this recipe is perfect for both seasoned chefs and kitchen newbies alike.
• We all have those days when we crave a delicious meal but are short on time. This carbonara recipe comes to the rescue! In just about 20 minutes, you can whip up a comforting, delightful dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or when you just need a little pick-me-up after a long day.
• It’s hard to resist the creamy, savory goodness of carbonara. This dish is a surefire hit at any dinner table, making it the perfect recipe to have in your culinary arsenal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a meal with your family, this carbonara will bring smiles to everyone’s faces.
• The beauty of this classic Italian recipe is that it can easily be tailored to your preferences or dietary needs. Vegetarians can opt for a plant-based bacon alternative, and gluten-free folks can enjoy it with their favorite gluten-free pasta. The possibilities are endless!

🥘 Ingredients and Substitutes

I have a confession. If you’re looking for a true Italian carbonara recipe then you should use Guanciale instead of bacon and pecorino romano cheese instead of parmesan.

As those ingredients may be a little bit trickier to find, I decided to simplify the process and use bacon and parmesan cheese which you can find in almost any store.

But, if you are a lucky one and have access to Guanciale and Pecorino Romano, I highly recommend using those instead.

• Bacon. For an authentic Italian taste, swap bacon for pancetta if you can find it in your nearest stores, or even use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
• Eggs. If you don’t have eggs under your hands, you may consider substituting them with:
  • Tofu: Silken tofu can create a creamy consistency when blended and can be a good vegan substitute.
  • Creme fraiche: If eggs are used for creaminess, this can be a good alternative, although it would change the taste somewhat.
  • Unsweetened soy or almond milk: It can help create a creamy consistency, but it won’t provide the same thickness or richness as eggs.
• Parmesan. As I said, for an authentic Italian carbonara, you should use pecorino romano cheese. If you have it under your hands, use it. If not – you can get still a similar texture and flavor using just regular parmesan. Just pick a high-quality one. If you’re looking for a cheaper variant, then you may also consider using “Grana Padano”. This cheese is very similar to parmesan but is usually cheaper.
• Spaghetti. If you don’t have them, underhand, you may consider some of those alternatives:
  • Fettuccine or Linguine: These are other forms of long, thin pasta.
  • Gluten-free pasta: Made from grains like quinoa or rice, it’s perfect for those on a gluten-free diet.
  • Zucchini noodles (Zoodles): A great low-carb, gluten-free, whole-food option.

Quick Note: Keep in mind that if you substitute some ingredients or their quantities, you may get a different texture and taste.

👩‍🍳 Step-by-step Directions

Pro Tip: In order to optimize and reduce the cooking time of this recipe, I recommend you start with boiling water for the pasta. After that, make the rest of the ingredients.

Chop up the bacon into delectable cubes and place them in the cool pan. Adjust the heat to low, allowing the bacon’s fat to lazily dissolve. Give it a gentle stir every now and then, as if coaxing a sleepy morning sun to rise.

When the bacon loses its fat and turns slightly golden, stop the heat. After that, leave the bacon alone and let prepare the carbonara sauce.

Now, Let’s Prepare the Sauce for the Carbonara

Break the eggs and mix them well.

After this, add the parmesan cheese and incorporate it well.

Add plenty of black pepper for an authentic carbonara taste.

Incorporate the black pepper and the carbonara sauce is ready.

At this time, our pasta should be almost ready. Cook it by following the instructions from the package until it will be cooked “al-dente”. Stop the heat under it.

Pour a few ladles of water in which you boiled the pasta (in total it should be 1/2 cups of water) and pour it over the egg sauce that we made earlier.

Pro Tip: After you will add the hot water, mix immediately so that the egg does not coagulate.

Now, you can strain the pasta.

Right after that, add the fried bacon into the saucepan with the pasta.

Mix well to evenly distribute the bacon among the pasta.

In the end, pour over the pasta our egg and parmesan sauce that we made earlier.

Mix well, until you will incorporate well the sauce and you will get a creamy texture of the pasta.

In the end, you can decorate it with a little more Parmesan, raw olive oil, and a bit more black pepper.

Optionally, you can add a spring of aromatic herbs for an extra touch of color to the plate.

😻 Other Pasta Recipes You May Enjoy

• 4 Ingredient Zucchini And Tomato Pasta
• 4 Ingredient Eggplant Pasta (Pasta Alla Norma)
• One-Pot Pepperoni Pasta
• Pasta With Prawns And Spinach (5 Ingredients)
• Sicilian Tuna And Anchovy Pasta

🏆 Expert Tips. What to Pay Attention To?

• It’s essential to time the pasta cooking correctly. You want to achieve that beautiful al dente texture, which means the pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks and taste-test it a minute or two before the package’s suggested cooking time.
• Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining the spaghetti! Starchy water is a secret weapon in achieving the perfect creamy texture. It helps emulsify the egg and cheese mixture, creating a silky-smooth sauce that clings to the pasta beautifully.
• When cooking the bacon, aim for a balance between crispy and tender. Overcooking it can make it too hard and overpowering, while undercooking it may result in a chewy texture. Cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s golden and slightly crispy but still has some give when you press it with a fork.
• To avoid scrambling the eggs in your carbonara sauce, be sure to temper them. Remove the pan with cooked bacon from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before adding the egg mixture. Then, add the hot pasta to the pan and toss everything together quickly. The residual heat from the pasta and bacon will gently cook the eggs, creating a rich and creamy sauce without curdling.
• Parmesan cheese is a crucial ingredient in this dish, so be sure to choose a high-quality, flavorful cheese. Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Grana Padano will make a noticeable difference in the final taste of your carbonara.
• Don’t be shy when it comes to seasoning your carbonara! Although the bacon and Parmesan cheese are naturally salty, be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. A generous crack of black pepper is also key to adding that delightful, subtle heat that complements the dish so well.
• Carbonara is best enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared. The sauce can thicken as it cools, losing its luscious consistency. So, gather your loved ones around the table and serve up your masterpiece straight from the pan for the ultimate dining experience!

🤔 Answering Your Questions:

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