Pasta carbonara is a beloved classic for its rich flavors and simple preparation. For those seeking a comforting and quick weeknight meal, carbonara is often a go-to. This recipe takes inspiration from the popular “Pioneer Woman,” Ree Drummond, adding a generous twist of garlic and fresh parsley to the traditional Italian dish. If you’re looking for a flavorful upgrade to your usual carbonara, this garlic-infused version is a must-try.
Pasta carbonara
What Makes This Pioneer Woman Inspired Carbonara Special?
While classic carbonara shines with its simplicity – eggs, bacon, Parmesan, and pasta – this recipe elevates the dish with aromatic garlic, savory onions, and a burst of freshness from parsley. Inspired by Pioneer Woman’s approach to hearty, flavorful home cooking, this version doesn’t shy away from generous additions that enhance the overall taste experience. It’s still incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy evenings, but with an extra layer of deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Pasta Carbonara
- Quick and Easy: Just like the original recipe, this garlic carbonara comes together in under 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Twist: The addition of garlic and onions creates a deeper, more complex flavor profile compared to traditional carbonara.
- Fresh and Bright: A generous amount of fresh parsley adds a vibrant, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a guaranteed hit with the whole family, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.
Pasta carbonara
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.
- Bacon: 6-8 slices of bacon, sliced into lardons or small pieces.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced.
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced.
- Eggs: 4 large eggs.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 bunch, roughly chopped.
- Chicken Stock or White Wine: ½ cup (stock or dry white wine can be used).
- Butter: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Garlic Carbonara Recipe
- Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened and slightly translucent. Add the sliced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned. Remove the onion and garlic from the skillet using a slotted spoon and set aside with the bacon. Discard any remaining grease in the skillet.
- Deglaze the Pan: Return the skillet to high heat and pour in the chicken stock or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add an additional ½ cup of chicken stock. Return the bacon, onion, and garlic mixture to the skillet and simmer, covered, over low heat to keep warm.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, crack the eggs. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Mix well with a fork until combined.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combine Everything: Drain the pasta and immediately add the hot pasta to the egg mixture in the bowl. Toss quickly and thoroughly to coat the pasta with the egg mixture. The heat from the pasta will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.
- Add Bacon and Garlic Mixture: Add the bacon, onion, and garlic mixture to the pasta and toss to combine. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and toss again until melted and incorporated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
Pasta carbonara
Tips for the Best Garlic Carbonara
- Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Sauté the garlic until fragrant, but be careful not to brown or burn it, as this can make it bitter.
- Work Quickly: Once the pasta is cooked, work quickly to combine it with the egg mixture. The heat of the pasta is crucial for cooking the eggs and creating a creamy sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Pasta water is a valuable ingredient for carbonara. Its starchiness helps to emulsify the sauce and create a silky texture.
- Adjust Parsley to Taste: If you’re not a huge fan of parsley, you can reduce the amount or use other fresh herbs like chives or basil.
- Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The sauce can thicken as it cools, so serve it right away for the best texture.
easy pasta carbonara
Enjoy Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Carbonara!
This Garlic Pasta Carbonara recipe, with its Pioneer Woman-inspired twist, is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Italian dish with an extra layer of flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough to serve to guests. Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious and comforting pasta dinner!
