This easy Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara is a quick and creamy pasta dish, perfect for a satisfying meal. With just a few simple ingredients like crispy bacon, eggs, and Parmesan, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Enjoy this delicious comfort food with minimal effort!
Why You Will Love This Easy Carbonara
- Quick and Easy: This Carbonara takes only 15 minutes to make, perfect for a fast yet satisfying dinner.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just five main ingredients, you get a rich and flavorful dish without the need for a long shopping list.
- Crispy Bacon: The smoked streaky bacon adds a delicious, crispy texture that elevates the whole dish.
- Silky Sauce: The combination of eggs and Parmesan creates a silky, creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara Ingredients
- 150g / 5oz dried spaghetti
- 2 rashers higher-welfare smoked streaky bacon
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 2 free-range eggs
- 30g / 1oz Parmesan cheese, plus extra for grating
How To Make Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara
- Cook the pasta: Boil the spaghetti in salted water as per the packet instructions.
- Cook the bacon: Slice the bacon and cook it in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat with olive oil and a pinch of black pepper until golden and crispy. Turn off the heat.
- Prepare the egg mixture: Beat the eggs in a bowl, grate in the Parmesan, and mix well.
- Combine pasta and bacon: Use tongs to transfer the cooked spaghetti directly into the frying pan with the bacon. Toss to combine.
- Make the sauce: Pour the egg and Parmesan mixture into the pan, stirring continuously. Loosen with a splash of pasta water until the sauce is silky. Ensure the pan is not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Serve: Plate the carbonara and finish with an extra Parmesan grating.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t Overheat the Pan: When adding the egg mixture, make sure the pan is not too hot. If it’s too hot, the eggs will scramble instead of creating a smooth sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. You can use it to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Cook the Bacon Until Crispy: Cooking the bacon until it’s crispy adds great texture and flavor to the dish, making it more enjoyable.
- Grate the Parmesan Fresh: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives a more intense flavor than pre-grated cheese.
What To Serve With This Creamy Carbonara
This creamy Carbonara pairs well with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted asparagus. It can also be served alongside a simple tomato salad, sautéed spinach, or crusty bread for a delicious dinner.
How To Store Leftovers
Refrigerate: First, let the leftover Carbonara cool until it reaches room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Carbonara is not recommended for freezing because the creamy sauce can separate, and the texture of the pasta may become mushy.
How To Reheat Leftovers
- In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Carbonara in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes, until warmed through.
- In The Microwave: Place the Carbonara in a microwave-safe dish, cover it loosely, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- On The Stove: Reheat the Carbonara in a non-stick pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through.
Jamie Oliver 5 Ingredients Carbonara Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 of 2 servings
- Calories: 454
- Total Fat: 17.4g
- Saturated Fat: 5.9g
- Sugars: 2.6g
- Salt: 0.8g
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 55.7g
- Fibre: 2.2g
FAQs
Why Did My Eggs Scramble In The Carbonara?
This happens if the pan is too hot when you add the egg mixture. Make sure to turn off the heat before adding the eggs and stir constantly.
What Can I Do If My Sauce Is Too Thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up while stirring.
Why Is My Carbonara Dry?
Carbonara can become dry if there isn’t enough pasta water added or if it sits too long. Be sure to serve it immediately after mixing the sauce.
How Do I Keep The Bacon From Being Too Chewy?
Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy. You can also drain it on paper towels to remove excess fat.
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