Spaghetti carbonara, adapted recipe
Adapted Carbonara Spaghetti – An explosion of flavors on a plate
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Carbonara spaghetti is a classic dish, simple yet delicious, that has won the hearts of many over time. While the original recipe uses specific ingredients, adaptations can bring a unique charm. This recipe that I will share with you is a simplified version, perfect for a quick dinner, which will surely impress even the pickiest among us – just like it did with my husband, Doru, who is not exactly a fan of pasta. Here’s how you can achieve this tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pack of spaghetti (approximately 400 g)
- 1 box of cream (350 g)
- 1 goose yolk (or 3 chicken yolks)
- 150 g bacon (or more, to taste)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- Dried basil (1-2 tablespoons)
- 2 cubes of cream cheese (approximately 100 g)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Step-by-step preparation:
1. Boiling the spaghetti:
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. This will help flavor the pasta. When the water is boiling, add the spaghetti and follow the cooking time indicated on the package (usually between 8-12 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Cooling the pasta:
After the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it, but do not pour cold water directly over it. Start by rinsing it with warm water, then gradually switch to cold water. This simple trick will prevent the pasta from sticking and will maintain the perfect texture.
3. Preparing the sauce:
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced bacon and fry until crispy and golden. Add the cream cheese cubes and stir until completely melted and combined with the bacon, forming a delicious cream.
4. Creating the creamy sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk the goose yolk (or yolks) with the cream, salt, pepper, and dried basil. This combination will create a rich and creamy sauce. Add the mixture to the skillet over the bacon and cheese, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the yolk. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens.
5. Combining with the pasta:
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and gently mix so that each strand of pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add a little pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serving:
Serve the carbonara spaghetti immediately, garnished with a bit of fresh basil or grated parmesan, if available. They are delicious hot, but even reheating preserves the flavor.
Useful tips:
- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of adapted carbonara spaghetti contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the amount of bacon and cream used. It is a protein-rich meal due to the bacon and yolk, but also high in carbohydrates from the pasta. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.
- Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese: feta or mozzarella can add an interesting twist. Also, for a vegetarian version, you can omit the bacon and add sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! This recipe works well with other pasta shapes, such as tagliatelle or fettuccine.
- How can I make the sauce lighter? You can replace the cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but this will slightly change the texture.
- How can I enhance the flavor? Add a splash of chopped garlic or sautéed onion to the skillet for an extra burst of flavor.
Personal story:
This adapted carbonara spaghetti recipe holds a special meaning for me. I discovered it on a chilly evening when Doru had a tough day at work. I prepared it with the thought of surprising him, and his reaction was incredible – he ate two servings and said he couldn’t believe he liked pasta! So, every time I want to brighten his day, I choose this simple yet warm recipe.
I hope you will find as much joy in preparing this adapted carbonara spaghetti! Don’t forget to share it with your loved ones, because good food is the best way to create beautiful memories. Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 1 packet of spaghetti, 1 box of sour cream (350 g), 1 duck egg or 3 chicken yolks, a few slices of bacon, salt, pepper, dried basil, 2 cubes of cream cheese, 1 tablespoon of oil.
