Quick Fix for a Craving: Simplified Carbonara Recipe
When hunger strikes and your fridge is almost bare, don’t panic! With just a few essential ingredients, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time. This stripped-down carbonara recipe is a lifesaver when you’re short on time and ingredients.
The Bare Essentials
All you need is:
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves of garlic
- Unsalted butter
- A block of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
Feel free to get creative and add some peas or a sprinkle of chopped parsley on top, but these basics will get you a delicious meal.
Yield and Cooking Time
- Yield: 4 servings
- Difficulty: Easy
- Total cooking time: 20 minutes
- Active cooking time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Kosher salt as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti. While it’s cooking, prepare the garlic and butter mixture.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic and Butter Mixture
Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Turn off the heat under the skillet.
Step 3: Combine the Spaghetti and Garlic Mixture
When the spaghetti is cooked al dente, drain it, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water. Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss with the garlic and butter mixture.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Cheese
Add half the cheese and toss until well coated, about 1 minute. Then, add the beaten eggs and toss for another minute. Finally, add the remaining cheese, black pepper to taste, and enough of the reserved pasta cooking water to form a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Toss everything together for about 1 minute, then serve immediately in warmed pasta bowls. Add a pinch of salt if needed, and voilà! Your simplified carbonara is ready to satisfy your cravings.
Leave a Reply