If you’re looking for a delicious, quick, and easy pasta recipe, I’d say you’re in the right place! I came across this Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara recipe a while ago, and now it’s my absolute favorite.
I remember reading this fascinating story about the origin of carbonara a while ago. It is said that the Italian coal miners in the Apennine mountains created this meal during World War II. It was made from simple ingredients like eggs, cheese, cured pork, and pasta.
The result was a rich, creamy sauce with savory pancetta flavors. The name “Carbonaro” comes from the Italian word “carbonano,” which means charcoal burner, reflecting its humble beginnings. Jamie Oliver’s version of this dish is a fantastic blend of creamy, smoky flavors that brings the essence of Italian dining to your home.
I remember the first time I made it. I was surprised at how effortlessly everything came together. The flavors melded beautifully, creating a dish that felt both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for any occasion.
So, whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family or trying to impress someone special, this carbonara recipe will indeed become your favorite. It only requires a few ingredients and essential kitchen tools.
Equipment Required
- Saucepan: I use a saucepan to boil the spaghetti. You can also use a large pot.
- Knife: I recommend using a sharp knife to cut the bacon into small, even pieces. This ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
- Tongs: I suggest keeping tongs handy. They will help toss the spaghetti with the sauce, allowing you to coat the pasta thoroughly without breaking it.
- Frying Pan: I use a non-stick frying pan to cook the bacon until it’s crispy, as it prevents sticking and burning.
- Mixing Bowl: I prefer using a mixing bowl to easily combine the egg and cheese.
- Grater: I recommend using a grater to freshly grate the parmesan onto the carbonara before serving.
- Serving Plate/ Bowl: I love to use my pasta plate for serving, but you can go ahead and grab any pretty-looking serving dish that you like.
Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara Ingredients & Substitutions
Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara Ingredients & SubstitutionsNote: The ingredients I’ve listed are enough for 2 servings. If you wish to make more or fewer portions, simply adjust the quantities accordingly.
- 150 g Dried Spaghetti: I use regular dried spaghetti for this recipe. If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with any long pasta, like linguine or bucatini. Remember that each type will give a slightly different texture but still be delicious.
- 2 Rashers of Higher-Welfare Bacon: If you can’t get your hands on higher-welfare bacon, I suggest using regular streaky bacon, pancetta, or even guanciale.
- Olive Oil: If you’re out of olive oil, I recommend using vegetable oil or even a bit of butter. Each will add its own unique touch to the recipe.
- 2 Free-Range Eggs: If you don’t have access to free-range, any fresh eggs will work just fine.
- 30 g Parmesan Cheese, Plus Extra for Grating: If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are good alternatives. I suggest using freshly grated Parmesan cheese as it enhances the creaminess and flavor of the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 20 Minutes | 30 Minutes |
How To Make Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara
Step 1
Start by boiling a saucepan of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook. I recommend adjusting the boiling time according to the package instructions.
Step 2
Now, prepare the sauce by beating the eggs in a bowl and adding the grated parmesan cheese.
Step 3
Next, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add the evenly sliced bacon.
Step 4
Add olive oil to the frying pan.
Step 5
At this point, add a pinch of salt and pepper to season it. Toss occasionally and wait until it turns golden and crispy.
Step 6
Using the tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss everything together, allowing the spaghetti to soak up the bacon flavor.
Step 7
Now it’s time to add the sauce, a.k.a. the Parmesan eggs. Be careful not to let the pan get too hot, which can cause the eggs to scramble. Also, make sure to stir continuously.
Step 8
Add the grated parmesan cheese to the carbonara to top it off.
Step 9
Your Easy Carbonara is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
Expert Tips That I Recommend- When I want my carbonara to have an extra kick of flavor, I like adding sliced garlic or a crushed garlic clove to the pan where I cook the bacon. It gives the whole dish a deliciously aromatic base. You can remove it once the bacon is cooked.
- If you want a richer flavor, I recommend trying a combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese. The Pecorino adds a nice sharpness that complements the creaminess of the sauce. But be mindful of the salt you add, as Pecorino Romano is a salty cheese.
- I recommend chopping up some fresh parsley or basil and sprinkling it over the top before serving. It adds a burst of color and a fresh taste that complements the dish beautifully. Sometimes, I also like garnishing the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- I prefer briefly letting the eggs and cheese mixture rest before combining it with the pasta. This resting period warms the eggs gently so they thicken nicely without scrambling in the hot pasta water.
- If you find the carbonara too thick, I suggest gradually adding pasta water to adjust the consistency. The starch from the pasta water helps create a silky smooth sauce.
FAQs About Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara
Nutritional Information
Jamie Oliver’s Easy Carbonara recipe is not the healthiest dish due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content. I recommend that you should enjoy it occasionally and in moderation.
Below, I have given the exact nutritional values for this carbonara recipe.
| Calories | 1018 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 133 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
| Total Fat | 33 g |
| Cholesterol | 186 mg |
| Sodium | 965 mg |
| Potassium | 386 mg |
| Vitamin A | 12 iu |
| Vitamin C | 2 mg |
| Calcium | 38 mg |
| Iron | 35 mg |
I can assure you that this Jamie Oliver easy carbonara recipe will easily capture any pasta lover’s heart. However, if you have dietary restrictions like dairy allergies or gluten intolerance or need to watch your fat or sodium intake, consider swapping some ingredients to best suit your dietary requirements.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Vegan Diet: To make this recipe vegan, you can simply replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or a vegan bacon alternative. I also recommend using a plant-based cream or coconut milk instead of eggs and cheese.
- Vegetarian Diet: If you’re a vegetarian, I recommend replacing the bacon with sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu for a delicious vegetarian twist.
- Dairy-Free Diet: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version of this recipe, I suggest substituting the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free or vegan cheese alternative.
- Gluten-Free Diet: For those with gluten intolerance, I recommend gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Plenty of good options, like rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta, work perfectly.
- Keto-Diet: To make this recipe keto-friendly, I recommend replacing the pasta with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles and sticking to full-fat dairy products.
- Low-Sodium Diet: To reduce the sodium content, I suggest using low-sodium bacon or turkey bacon. Additionally, opt for unsalted butter and use less or low-sodium cheese. And don’t worry about compromising the flavor. Adding fresh herbs can boost the flavor without adding extra salt.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing –
- In The Refrigerator: Allow the carbonara to cool before storing. Once it has cooled down, I recommend transferring it to an air-tight glass container for storage. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- In The Freezer: After it cools, transfer the carbonara into an airtight container and freeze it. I suggest thawing it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Your carbonara will stay good for up to one month this way.
Reheating –
- On the Stovetop: If you wish to reheat this recipe on the stovetop, reheat it in a non-stick pan over low heat. I always add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- In The Microwave: You can microwave this recipe on medium power in a microwave-safe dish. However, I recommend stirring occasionally until it is thoroughly heated.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara is a delicious and savory meal on its own. However, some sides can truly elevate the main dish. So, here are some of my favorite ways to serve this carbonara.
- Garlic Bread: I love serving my carbonara with garlic bread. The crispy, garlicky slices perfectly complement the creamy pasta, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Roasted Vegetables: I often serve my carbonara with a side of roasted vegetables. Caramelized carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini bring a sweet and savory note that pairs beautifully with the pasta.
- Bruschetta: I often choose toasted baguette slices topped with diced tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of balsamic vinegar as a starter to pair with the creamy carbonara. It is light and flavorful and also complements our carbonara.
- Antipasto Platter: If you want to create an Italian-themed dinner for family or guests, I’d suggest starting with an antipasto platter with olives, marinated artichokes, cured meats, and cheeses. The variety of flavors and textures sets a delightful tone, making it a fantastic appetizer that pairs beautifully with the rich and creamy carbonara.
- Wine: To enhance the Italian dining experience, I enjoy pairing my Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara with wine. A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy richness of the pasta perfectly. If you prefer red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir with subtle tannins also pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Printable Version
Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara Recipe
Ingredients
- 150 grams Spaghetti
- 2 slices Higher-Welfare Bacon
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 30 grams Parmesan Cheese plus extra for grating
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Knife
- Tongs
- Frying Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
- Serving Plate/ Bowl
Instructions
- Start by boiling a saucepan of salted water. Add the spaghetti and cook. I recommend adjusting the boiling time according to the package instructions.
- Now, prepare the sauce by beating the eggs in a bowl and adding the grated Parmesan cheese.Â
- Next, heat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat and add the evenly sliced bacon.
- Add olive oil to the frying pan.
- At this point, add a pinch of salt and pepper to season it. Toss occasionally and wait until it turns golden and crispy.
- Using the tongs, transfer the cooked spaghetti to the pan and toss everything together, allowing the spaghetti to soak up the bacon flavor.
- Now it's time to add the sauce, a.k.a. the Parmesan eggs. Be careful not to let the pan get too hot, which can cause the eggs to scramble. Also, make sure to stir continuously.
- Add the grated parmesan cheese to the carbonara to top it off.
- Your easy carbonara is ready to be plated and enjoyed!
Nutrition
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Conclusion
You don’t have to visit a fancy Italian restaurant to treat yourself to incredibly flavorful carbonara. This Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara recipe proves just that.
Making Jamie Oliver Easy Carbonara has been a rewarding experience for me, and I hope you find it as enjoyable. It’s incredible how a few simple ingredients can create something so delicious. Plus, it’s versatile—you can quickly adapt it to fit different dietary needs. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, I guarantee you’re in for a treat.
If you haven’t tried this recipe yet, give it a go and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Stay tuned for more amazing recipes, tips, and cooking inspiration.
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