Carbonara pasta

Carbonara Pasta with Ham and Mozzarella

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2

Every time I think of pasta, my heart races. Carbonara pasta is not just a delicious dish, but also a memory of pleasant moments spent around the table, where the enticing aroma of fried ham and melted cheese brings us all together. This dish is perfect for a quick and comforting dinner, full of flavor and texture. Additionally, it is a simple recipe but with a deep taste, ideal for both beginners in cooking and the more experienced.

The History of Carbonara Pasta

The exact origins of the Carbonara pasta recipe are still a topic of debate, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century. It is a perfect example of comfort food, combining simple ingredients to create an extraordinary dish. Over time, many variations have emerged, but the classic recipe remains a symbol of gastronomy that brings family and friends together.

Necessary Ingredients

- 250 g curly pasta (choose your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to catch the sauce well)
- 100 g ham (preferably quality ham, cut into thin strips)
- 4-5 cloves of garlic (for an intense flavor)
- 200 g cream (a higher fat cream will give a creamier texture)
- 100 g milk (to cut the intensity of the cream)
- 1 egg yolk (for extra creaminess)
- 4 tablespoons of grated cheese (choose a matured cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 4-5 pieces of unsalted mozzarella (the kind for children, which melts beautifully)

Step by Step for a Perfect Result

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. This step is essential to ensure a perfect texture.

2. Prepare the ham: While the pasta is boiling, you can prepare the ham. In a pan, add a tablespoon of butter and heat over medium heat. Add the strips of ham and finely chopped garlic. Fry the ham until it becomes slightly crispy, and the garlic turns golden and aromatic. This mix will give a wonderful flavor to the dish.

3. Mixing the sauce: In a bowl, combine the cream, milk, egg yolk, and grated cheese. Mix well until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to avoid curdling the egg.

4. Combining the ingredients: When the pasta is ready, drain it, but keep a little of the boiling water. Put the pasta back in the pot you boiled it in. Add the fried ham along with the butter and mix well for 2-3 minutes, so the flavors combine.

5. Adding the sauce: Now is the time to add the cream mixture. Continue to stir over low heat, so the sauce thickens slightly. If it is too thick, you can add a little pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.

6. Finalizing the dish: Add the mozzarella cubes and mix gently. Leave on the heat for another 2-3 minutes until the mozzarella starts to melt and integrate into the sauce.

7. Serving: Serve the pasta immediately, sprinkled with a little freshly ground pepper or parmesan, if you like. This recipe pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.

Useful Tips

- Make sure the pasta is not overcooked, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- If you want a more intense flavor, you can add a little pancetta or bacon instead of ham.
- For a vegetarian version, you can replace the ham with fried vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms.

Nutritional Information

This Carbonara Pasta with Ham and Mozzarella recipe offers approximately 650 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is a hearty meal, rich in protein due to the cheeses and egg.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! Long pasta, such as spaghetti or tagliatelle, pairs perfectly with this creamy sauce.
- How can I make the recipe lighter? You can reduce the cream and replace some of the cheese with Greek yogurt to lower the calories.

In conclusion, Carbonara Pasta with Ham and Mozzarella is a dish that blends simplicity with refinement. With every bite, you will feel the comfort and warmth that only a dish cooked with love can provide. So, don’t hesitate! Put on an apron and prepare this delight tonight. I assure you, you won’t regret it! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: 250 g of creste pasta (I really liked how they look) one egg yolk 200g sour cream 100g milk 100g ham garlic 4 tablespoons of grated cheese 4-5 pieces of unsalted mozzarella (the kind for kids)

 Tags:  paste sour cream cheese mozzarella