Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

If you’re craving the cozy bowl of pasta, but want something faster, easier, and irresistibly creamy, this Creamy Carbonara is perfect for you! 

This easy creamy carbonara recipe is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner! You can customize this recipe without bacon, a simple chicken carbonara, or even make it spicy!

If you love to see my quick and easy creamy pasta recipes with few ingredients, try my Marry Me Chicken Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Linguine & Caramelized Onion Pasta!

Ingredients for this Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

• Olive Oil
• Yellow Onion
• Smoked Bacon
• Heavy cream
• All purpose flour
• Fresh parsley
• Spaghetti
• Garlic Powder

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions for this Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe!

Sauté smoked bacon and diced onion!

Add in the heavy cream!

Add in cooked aldente spaghetti..

Serve & enjoy!

1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop the onion and parsley, then dice the smoked pork belly into small, even pieces so everything cooks evenly. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Pork Belly + Onion: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pork belly and chopped onion, letting them sizzle together for about 7 minutes. You want the pork belly crispy and the onions golden and sweet.
3. Build the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring as it warms. Whisk the flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth, then drizzle it into the skillet while stirring constantly so the sauce stays silky. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened and glossy.
4. Toss with Spaghetti: Add the cooked spaghetti straight into the skillet and gently toss until every strand is coated in that creamy, smoky sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of pasta water to loosen it.
5. Finish + Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot with a generous shower of grated Parmesan. Taste and adjust the seasoning—more pepper or a bit more salt makes it pop.

Please go to end of page to see full recipe card!

Substitutions for this Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

• Oil: Pork lard is the best option for extra flavor, but butter or any oil (like vegetable, canola, or avocado) works too.
• Onion: Shallots or leeks are great substitutes.
• Smoked Pork Belly: Swap with ham, bacon, or pancetta for that savory, smoky touch.
• Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or evaporated milk can do the trick for creamy sauces.
• Fresh Parsley: Use dried parsley or fresh basil instead.
• Spaghetti: Linguine or fettuccine are perfect alternatives.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic or garlic paste can easily replace it.

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Knife
• Frying Pan
• Pot for boiling Pasta

Storage Instructions: Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

To keep your creamy carbonara fresh, pop it in a sealed container and into the fridge for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, warm it up gently in a pan on low heat, stirring every so often.

If it gets too thick, add a splash of water, milk or cream. Just be careful not to heat it too much or it might lose its yummy flavor!

FAQ's

Related

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Dessert Pairings

These are my fav desserts to serve with [this recipe]:

Creamy Carbonara Recipe

5 from 2 votes

This easy creamy carbonara recipe has balanced flavors that keep you coming back for more, even your whole family! Perfect for easy school lunches for kids!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

• 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 cup smoked pork belly diced
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 2 tbsp all purpose flour
• ¼ cup water
• handful fresh parsley chopped
• 8 oz spaghetti
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese for serving

Equipment

• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Frying Pan
• Pot for Boiling Pasta

Method

 

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Chop the onion and parsley.
2. Dice the smoked pork belly into small pieces.
3. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Wash with some cold water to stop it from cooking more. Drain and set aside.

Cook the Pork Belly and Onion:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the diced pork belly and chopped onion.
3. Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pork belly is crispy and the onion is golden brown.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

1. Reduce the heat to low. Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
3. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.

Combine with Spaghetti:

1. Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
2. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.

Serve:

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
2. Serve hot with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Notes

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.