Carbonara Pasta 20-Minute Dinner

Craving a traditional and rich Italian pasta dish but don’t have much time to spare? This Carbonara Pasta 20-Minute Dinner recipe can help you prepare a delicious and creamy carbonara without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, whether you’re studying or need a quick and satisfying meal!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces of bucatini
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 lb prosciutto di Parma
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

STEP 1:

First, cook the bucatini. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water. Add the bucatini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

STEP 2:

Next, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set the mixture aside.

STEP 3:

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and shallot to the pan and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

STEP 4:

Lay thin slices of prosciutto onto a paper plate. Microwave for around 30 seconds or until crispy. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces. Set aside.

STEP 5:

Once cooled, in a bowl, combine garlic, shallot, and prosciutto with the egg and cheese mixture.

STEP 6:

Quickly pour the egg and Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously to combine. The heat from the pasta and prosciutto will cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can gradually add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

STEP 7:

Divide the Carbonara Pasta 20-Minute Dinner into individual serving bowls. Add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper on top. If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

This 20-minute Carbonara Pasta dinner is the ultimate quick and delicious recipe that has saved me since high school and now in my busy college kitchen.

As I take my first forkful of Carbonara pasta, the aroma of crispy prosciutto and nutty Parmesan fills the air. The perfectly cooked bucatini strands glisten in a silky, creamy sauce that coats each bite in indulgent goodness. The velvety sauce, made with eggs and grated Parmesan, adds a comforting richness to the dish.

With every mouthful, the prosciutto di Parma provides a salty crunch, a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce, but beautifully balanced by the delicate sweetness of the shallots and the mild pungency of the garlic. The freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of heat, awakening my senses and elevating the dish to another level of deliciousness.

ALSO READ: Arrabbiata Sauce 20-Minute Pasta Dinner

Being a student with a lot on my plate, I needed a quick and comforting go-to meal that would satisfy my cravings. This recipe was born out of that necessity, combining al dente pasta, savory prosciutto, and a rich and creamy sauce in just a matter of minutes. As someone who loves Italian cuisine, this dish tastes just as authentic as a home-cooked meal. My friends and family still rave about my Carbonara Pasta 20-Minute Dinner, claiming it’s better than what they’ve had at Italian restaurants. I’m delighted to share this recipe with you today and hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Whenever I need a quick meal during a late-night study session or a break between classes, I turn to my trusted Carbonara Pasta 20-Minute Dinner.