Name: Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 cups rigatoni pasta; 6 slices Bacon; 2 cloves garlic; 1¼ cups milk; 8 oz cream cheese; ½ cup butter; ½ cup parmesan cheese; ¼ cup fresh green peas; ¼ cup ham

Take a quick trip to Italy from the comfort of your own kitchen with our Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe. This recipe is perfect for those who love a rich and creamy pasta dish. Made with rigatoni, bacon, garlic, milk, cream cheese, butter, parmesan cheese, peas, and ham, this pasta carbonara is sure to impress.

Photos of Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe

The ingredients in this recipe are generally common and easily found in most supermarkets. However, the rigatoni pasta and the cream cheese could be unique to some. Rigatoni is a popular Italian pasta, known for its tube shape that holds onto sauces well. Cream cheese, on the other hand, is a soft cheese that adds creaminess to dishes.

Ingredients for Our Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara

Rigatoni pasta: A type of pasta that is large and tube-shaped. The hollow center and ridges on the surface are perfect for cream-based sauces.

Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor to the dish.

Garlic: Provides a fragrant aroma and a subtle spicy flavor.

Milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce.

Cream cheese: Gives the sauce a thick and creamy texture.

Butter: Adds a rich, buttery flavor to the sauce.

Parmesan cheese: A hard, granular cheese that adds a sharp and nutty flavor.

Green peas: Adds a pop of color and sweetness to the dish.

Ham: Adds a salty, savory flavor.

One reader, Harlie Hollins says:

This quick and creamy pasta carbonara recipe is a game-changer! The combination of bacon, cream cheese, and parmesan creates a rich and indulgent sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The addition of peas and ham adds a delightful twist. It's a must-try for anyone craving a comforting and satisfying meal.

Harlie Hollins

Key Techniques for Making Pasta Carbonara

How to cook the rigatoni: Boil the rigatoni in lightly salted water for about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain and set aside.

How to cook the bacon: Place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan. Set the bacon aside.

How to make the creamy sauce: Cook and stir the garlic in the remaining bacon grease over medium heat. Add the milk, cream cheese, and butter to the skillet, and stir until smooth. Stir in the parmesan cheese, peas, and ham, and cook for about 5 minutes more until the peas are heated through.

How to combine the pasta and sauce: Mix the cooked rigatoni into the creamy sauce until well combined, and serve.

How To Make Quick and Creamy Carbonara

In less than 1 hour, everybody can enjoy this deliciously cheesy and creamy pasta carbonara that’s cooked with bacon, cream cheese, parmesan, and more!

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 40 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

3cupsrigatoni pasta
6slicesbacon,diced
2clovesgarlic,minced
1¼cupsmilk
8ozcream cheese,(1 package) cut into cubes
½cupbutter,softened
½cupparmesan cheese,freshly shredded
¼cupfresh green peas
¼cupham,diced, cooked

Instructions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Cook the rigatoni in boiling water for about 13 minutes, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite. Drain.
Meanwhile, place the bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until evenly browned.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the drippings in the pan. Set the bacon aside.
Cook and stir the garlic in the remaining bacon grease over medium heat.
Add the milk, cream cheese, and butter to the skillet, and stir until smooth.
Stir the parmesan cheese, peas, ham, and bacon into the cream cheese mixture.
Cook for about 5 minutes more until the peas are heated through.
Mix the pasta into sauce to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 1025.39kcal
Fat: 69.67g
Saturated Fat: 36.48g
Trans Fat: 0.99g
Monounsaturated Fat: 21.29g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.38g
Carbohydrates: 68.34g
Fiber: 3.01g
Sugar: 8.90g
Protein: 31.33g
Cholesterol: 180.71mg
Sodium: 939.32mg
Calcium: 393.31mg
Potassium: 537.89mg
Iron: 1.87mg
Vitamin A: 483.39µg
Vitamin C: 4.09mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting Your Pasta Carbonara

To ensure your pasta carbonara is creamy and not too thick, add the milk, cream cheese, and butter gradually while stirring continuously. This allows the ingredients to blend smoothly and prevents the sauce from clumping. Additionally, cooking the garlic in the bacon grease not only utilizes all the flavors but also gives the dish a deeper, more savory taste. Remember not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Lastly, adding the cooked pasta to the sauce, rather than the other way around, ensures every piece is evenly coated for a delicious bite every time.

Time-Saving Tips for Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara

Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.

One-pot wonders: Look for recipes that require minimal pots and pans to reduce clean-up time.

Batch cooking: Make a larger portion and store leftovers for quick and easy meals throughout the week.

Kitchen organization: Keep your kitchen well-organized to easily locate ingredients and cooking tools, saving time during meal preparation.

Efficient multitasking: Plan your cooking process to multitask effectively, such as boiling water while chopping vegetables.

Substitute Ingredients For Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe

rigatoni pasta - Substitute with spaghetti: Spaghetti is a suitable substitute for rigatoni pasta in carbonara, as it has a similar texture and can hold the creamy sauce well.
bacon - Substitute with pancetta: Pancetta is a great substitute for bacon in carbonara as it provides a similar salty and savory flavor, enhancing the dish.
milk - Substitute with heavy cream: Heavy cream can be used instead of milk to create a richer and creamier sauce for the carbonara.
cream cheese - Substitute with ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese to add a creamy texture to the carbonara sauce.
butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in the carbonara recipe, adding a rich flavor to the dish.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino cheese: Pecorino cheese can be used instead of parmesan to add a sharp and salty flavor to the carbonara sauce.
fresh green peas - Omit or substitute with asparagus: Asparagus can be used as a substitute for green peas to add a fresh and crunchy element to the carbonara.
ham - Substitute with prosciutto: Prosciutto can be used as a substitute for ham to add a delicate and savory flavor to the carbonara.

Presentation Tips for a Delightful Pasta Carbonara

Elevate the plating: Arrange the pasta in a neat and appealing manner on the plate, ensuring that each element is showcased beautifully.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over the pasta to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a delicate sprinkle of crispy prosciutto on top of the pasta for a delightful crunch.
Utilize elegant serving dishes: Present the carbonara in sophisticated, porcelain bowls to enhance the dining experience.
Accentuate with edible flowers: Adorn the dish with a few carefully placed chive blossoms for a visually stunning and refined touch.
Highlight with a drizzle of truffle oil: Just before serving, delicately drizzle a small amount of truffle oil over the pasta to impart a luxurious aroma and flavor.
Consider the use of gold leaf: For an extravagant touch, delicately place a small piece of edible gold leaf on the pasta to add a touch of opulence.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Pasta Carbonara

Large pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for boiling the pasta.
Skillet: A skillet is used for cooking the bacon and garlic, and for preparing the creamy sauce.
Slotted spoon: This utensil is used for removing the cooked bacon from the skillet, leaving the drippings behind.
Spatula: A spatula is handy for stirring the creamy sauce and ensuring it cooks evenly.
Colander: A colander is used for draining the cooked pasta before mixing it with the sauce.
Whisk: A whisk is useful for blending the milk, cream cheese, and butter together to create a smooth sauce.
Measuring cups and spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring out the ingredients for the recipe.
Tongs: Tongs can be used for stirring the pasta and sauce together, ensuring they are well combined.
Grater: A grater is used for grating the parmesan cheese to add a delicious, cheesy flavor to the dish.

Storing and Freezing Pasta Carbonara for Later

Allow the pasta carbonara to cool completely before storing or freezing.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta carbonara:
- Divide the cooled pasta into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out any excess air from the bags to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Frozen pasta carbonara can be stored for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the refrigerated pasta, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
For frozen pasta, you can either thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it directly from frozen:
- To reheat from frozen, place the frozen pasta in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the frozen pasta in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and the sauce is smooth.
Note that the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavor should still be delicious.
If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up and restore its creamy consistency.

How to Reheat Leftover Pasta Carbonara

Reheat the pasta carbonara in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating or curdling. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up and restore its creamy texture.
For individual portions, place the desired amount of pasta carbonara in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of milk or cream per serving to maintain the sauce's consistency. Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through.
To reheat larger quantities, transfer the pasta carbonara to a baking dish. Add a few tablespoons of milk or cream and stir gently to combine. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through and the sauce is bubbling.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat individual portions of pasta carbonara. Place the desired amount of pasta in an air fryer-safe container, add a tablespoon of milk or cream, and stir gently. Cover the container with foil and air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
For a crispy twist, reheat the pasta carbonara in a skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil to the pan and allow it to melt. Add the pasta and stir gently, allowing the edges to crisp up slightly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it up. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and the desired level of crispiness is achieved.

Interesting Trivia About Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Rome. Despite its popularity, the original recipe does not include cream. The creamy texture is achieved by emulsifying the eggs and cheese with the hot pasta water. This technique creates a rich and velvety sauce without the need for heavy cream.

Budget-Friendly Pasta Carbonara: Is it Economical?

The cost-effectiveness of this pasta carbonara recipe depends on the availability and prices of the ingredients. Bacon and cream cheese can be pricier, but the dish serves 4, making it relatively cost-effective. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Rating: 8/10. While the dish is creamy and flavorful, the cost of some ingredients may be a bit high. However, the overall taste and portion size make it a good choice for a satisfying meal.

Is Pasta Carbonara Healthy or Unhealthy?

This pasta carbonara recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. The dish is high in saturated fat and calories due to the generous amounts of bacon, cream cheese, butter, and parmesan cheese. Additionally, the recipe lacks a significant amount of vegetables, which could provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

However, with a few modifications, this recipe can be made healthier without sacrificing taste:

Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner protein like chicken or turkey
Use low-fat milk and cream cheese to decrease the overall fat content
Incorporate more vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers, to increase the nutritional value and fiber content
Use whole wheat pasta instead of regular pasta to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
Reduce the amount of butter and cheese used, or opt for lower-fat alternatives like olive oil and part-skim mozzarella

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious meal that still satisfies your craving for a creamy, comforting pasta dish. Remember, moderation is key, and it's perfectly fine to indulge in a more decadent version of this recipe occasionally as part of a well-rounded diet.

Editor's Opinion: Why Pasta Carbonara is a Must-Try

This quick and creamy pasta carbonara recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy sauce, enriched with cream cheese and parmesan, pairs perfectly with the smoky bacon and savory ham. The addition of fresh green peas adds a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. However, to elevate this dish further, consider adding a splash of white wine and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for a more complex flavor profile. Overall, this recipe provides a satisfying and comforting meal that is sure to please the palate.

Enhance Your Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: Savory garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in a creamy caesar dressing with homemade croutons

Bruschetta: Toasted baguette slices topped with a flavorful mix of tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze

Delicious Alternatives to Pasta Carbonara

Creamy Chicken Alfredo: This creamy and indulgent pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender chicken and rich alfredo sauce will leave you wanting more.

Roasted Vegetable Primavera: This vibrant and colorful pasta dish is packed with a variety of roasted vegetables, creating a flavorful and healthy meal that's perfect for any season.

Fruit Salad with Honey-Lime Dressing: This refreshing and light fruit salad is the perfect way to enjoy a variety of fruits in a delicious honey-lime dressing. It's a great side dish or dessert for any occasion.

Beef and Barley Soup: This hearty and comforting soup is filled with tender beef, wholesome barley, and a flavorful broth. It's the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly day.

Chocolate Lava Cake: This decadent and indulgent dessert features a rich and gooey chocolate center that oozes out when you dig in. It's the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Pasta Carbonara

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory and indulgent stuffed mushrooms. Filled with a rich and creamy mixture of cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these bite-sized treats are the perfect way to start any meal.

Bruschetta: Elevate your appetizer game with these flavorful bruschetta bites. Toasted baguette slices are topped with a vibrant mixture of ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, creating a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and intense chocolate flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of a homemade apple crisp, with tender baked apples and a crispy oat topping. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.

Why trust this Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on the classic pasta carbonara, incorporating bacon for a rich, smoky flavor and cream cheese for a velvety, creamy texture. The addition of parmesan cheese and ham further enhances the savory profile, while the fresh green peas provide a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. With a harmonious blend of ingredients and a straightforward cooking method, this pasta carbonara promises a satisfying and indulgent dining experience.

Have you tried this Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara Recipe? Join our Recipe Sharing forum to discuss your experience and share your own tips and tricks!

FAQ:

What type of pasta can I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of pasta for this recipe, but traditional carbonara is made with spaghetti. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.

Can I substitute the bacon with something else?

Yes, you can substitute the bacon with pancetta, guanciale, or even smoked turkey bacon for a different flavor.

Can I use frozen peas instead of fresh peas?

Yes, you can use frozen peas instead of fresh peas. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it's best to enjoy pasta carbonara fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when you're ready to serve. Just make sure to cook the pasta fresh before serving.

Can I use low-fat ingredients to make this recipe healthier?

You can use low-fat milk, cream cheese, and turkey bacon to make this recipe a bit healthier, but keep in mind that it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.