Pasta Carbonara - the easiest pasta dish you can make! This creamy fettuccine with bacon, ham and cheese is bound to be a hit!
PASTA CARBONARA
Pasta Carbonara - one of the easiest pasta dishes you can make! It is packed with flavor and so creamy that there are never any leftovers! Because, hello! , bacon, ham and cheese! All tossed together with creamy fettuccine. Dinner in 15 minutes - now that's a keeper!
One of our favorites that we also make for my Hubby's birthday. It's his favorite Italian dish. A few years ago, I learned how to make it from scratch at home and let me tell you - we are both super happy about that! 🙂 If you have the Instant Pot, check out my Instant Pot Pasta Carbonara recipe. It's amazing!
Pasta dishes have been getting lots of love here on Crunchy Creamy Sweet. Thank you to all of you that try the recipes, share them and report back to me how much you enjoy them!
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WHAT IS PASTA CARBONARA?
This dish is significant to the Midwest as the coal miners in southeast Kansas were making this pasta, hence the name: carbonara (from carbon). You can argue the origin of this dish. Some say that during World War 2 brought bacon to Europe and were cooking this dish over there. We like to think it comes from here. 🙂 Whoever came up with this dish, was a genius. Creamy pasta and meat - you can never go wrong with that!
HOW TO MAKE PASTA CARBONARA?
- The dish starts with frying the bacon in a large skillet. You can either chop it into small pieces before frying or break it as soon as it gets crispy.
- To the bacon and it's grease, you add the ham and garlic and let these cook. The original recipe had the sauce based on eggs but we are simplifying the dish today.
- A simple mixture of milk and cornstarch added to the pan will create a creamy sauce and let all of the ingredients and flavors bind together. If you want to lighten it up, bake the bacon in the oven and add to the finished sauce.
- In the end, stir up the Parmesan cheese until it melts. This is one comforting pasta dish that you will love! Easy and packed with flavor! Enjoy!
MORE EASY PASTA RECIPES:
PASTA CARBONARA RECIPE:
Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 oz . fettuccine pasta uncooked
- 4 slices of bacon chopped
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 cups milk
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch you can use flour
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to the directions on the box. Drain. Keep warm.
- In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy.
- Add ham and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 2 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk and cornstarch. Add to the skillet and cook until thickened.
- Add Parmesan and cook until melted.
- Add pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Season the pasta with salt and pepper before serving.
Justine says
We have been having the same kind of fall here in Colorado! It's been so perfect lately, that I don't know what to do with myself. As for this pasta, this might just be the easiest carbonara recipe I've ever seen! I love that you've added ham and bacon! Genius!
Erin says
We have had a mild fall with gorgeous days around here as well. Hopefully it keeps up for a little longer!
Pasta is one of my go to dinners, this looks so comforting. I love how easy carbonara is!
Brianne says
I had no idea about the connection to the Midwest. This dish reminds me of my travels in Italy... mmm
Des says
This is gorgeous and my idea of comfort food!
Amanda says
I need a giant plate of this right now!
Jocelyn says
I was driving the kids to school this morning and looking at how dark it still was at 7:30 am...yikes, that does mean winter is close! This is such a gorgeous looking pasta!!! Love how creamy and delicious it looks!
Courtney says
Carbonara is definitely on my fall bucket list! I always assumed it was way harder than this to make. Can't wait to try it!
Anetta says
Wow, I've never thought about using cornstarch in place of flour in a pasta dish like this!
Caroline says
Fall is my favorite time of year. I love cooking even more in the cooler weather. This is such a perfect fall dinner. So comforting and hearty!
heather says
carbonara is one of our favorite pasta dishes, and I love that you made it so easy
Alice says
I love pasta carbonara!!! This is one of my fave pasta dishes and indulgences!!! love and pinned and can't wait to try your recipe, Anna!!!
Kate says
Ahhh boys! I need to have one! ;-)))
Love your pasta!! It's gorgeous! This is the kinda dinner we inhale within seconds.
Catalina says
I love pasta, especially the creamy one, all smothered in sauce, I would probably add a boatload of parmesan on top of mine and call it the best dinner ever.
DessertForTwo says
Whoa! First, I love that this has ham AND bacon. And then I love that it's made with milk, so it's healthier! YAY! Win-win!
Meg says
I agree....fall is pretty breathtaking! And this dish...can't get any more comfort food than that!