Spaghetti carbonara

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian dish featuring creamy egg yolk sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. This variation includes broad beans and leeks for added flavor and nutrition.

21 Dec 2025
Cook time 15 min
Prep time 35 min

Ingredients:

1/2 cup broad beans
12 oz pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
5 bacon strips
1 leek
2 garlic cloves
3 yolks
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup fresh parsley

Spaghetti Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish known for its creamy sauce made from eggs, cheese, bacon, and black pepper. This recipe includes a twist with the addition of broad beans and leeks, providing a nutritious and flavorful depth to the dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broad Beans:
- If your broad beans are frozen, allow them to thaw. If they're fresh, remove them from their pods.

2. Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve about 1 cup of pasta water.

3. Cook the Bacon:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then chop it into bite-sized pieces.

4. Prepare the Leek and Garlic:
- Trim and clean the leek, then slice it finely. Mince the garlic cloves.

5. Sauté the Leek and Garlic:
- In the leftover bacon fat in the skillet (if there's too much fat, you can remove some, leaving about 1 tablespoon), add the sliced leeks and cook over medium heat until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and broad beans to the skillet and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the beans are heated through.

6. Mix the Egg Yolks and Cream:
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and heavy whipping cream until well combined. This will form the creamy sauce base for the carbonara.

7. Combine Pasta with Sauce and Ingredients:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the leeks and beans, then stir in the chopped bacon.
- Immediately pour the egg yolk and cream mixture over the pasta while it's still hot, tossing quickly to coat all the strands. The heat of the pasta will cook the egg slightly and create a creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

8. Finish with Fresh Parsley:
- Roughly chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the pasta. Toss everything together one final time.

9. Serve:
- Plate the spaghetti carbonara immediately while it's hot. Optionally, you can garnish with additional parsley or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.

With these simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic Spaghetti Carbonara that's sure to impress your family and friends. The addition of broad beans and leeks adds a unique and delightful twist to this classic recipe. Enjoy your meal!

Spaghetti carbonara FAQ:

How long should I cook the pasta for Spaghetti Carbonara?

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically around 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Make sure to reserve some pasta water before draining.

How do I know when the bacon is cooked properly?

Cook the bacon until it is crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes over medium heat. Remove it from the skillet to drain on a paper towel.

Can I substitute broad beans in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute broad beans with peas or edamame if needed. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they're cooked through.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick after adding the egg yolk and cream mixture, gradually mix in some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

How should I store leftover Spaghetti Carbonara?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to retain moisture.

Cooking Tips:

- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture.

- Use freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for a richer flavor.

- Temporarily remove the skillet from the heat when mixing the eggs to prevent them from scrambling.

- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.

- Cut the bacon into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish.

- Leeks can be substituted with onions if preferred.

- Fresh parsley is recommended for garnish, but you can use dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.

Nutrition Facts

4 Servings
Calories 620kcal
Protein 27g
Carbohydrates 72g
Fiber 4.71g
Sugar 5g
Fat 27g

Spaghetti carbonara