February 9, 2025

Creamy Carbonara Recipe – Rich, Customisable & Easy to Make

Learn how to make creamy carbonara with this easy recipe. Discover ideas to a rich, velvety carbonara sauce, plus healthy ingredient swaps to make it a variation of your own.

Carbonara is the ultimate comfort food, it is a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that’s surprisingly simple to make. But did you know that traditional carbonara doesn’t use cream? The velvety sauce comes from eggs, cheese, and pasta water. In this guide, we will show you how to make an creamy carbonara, plus variations with healthy carbonara ingredients. and other unique twists.

What is Carbonara?

Carbonara is a classic Italian pasta dish that originated in Rome, known for its rich sauce and made from just a few simple ingredients. Traditionally carbonara consists of eggs, Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese, pancetta (or guanciale), black pepper, and spaghetti pasta…. no cream required. The creaminess comes from the emulsification of eggs and cheese with hot pasta water, creating a silky texture that coats every strand of spaghetti.

Over time, modern variations have emerged especially outside Italy, where heavy cream is often added to enhance the richness.

Filipino Carbonara vs Traditional Carbonara

Filipino carbonara takes a unique spin on the classic by incorporating ingredients that make it richer and slightly sweeter. Instead of pancetta or guanciale, Filipino carbonara often uses ham or bacon. Heavy cream or evaporated milk is added to the sauce, making it much creamier than the traditional version. Some recipes even include mushrooms or a bit of sugar for extra sweetness. While Italian carbonara is all about simplicity and a savory, cheesy flavor.

Carbonara Ingredient Ideas

Classic Ingredients: Eggs, Parmesan or Pecorino, pancetta, black pepper, pasta
Healthy Swaps: Greek yogurt, turkey bacon, whole wheat pasta
Filipino Style: Cream, evaporated milk, ham, mushrooms

Carbonara Sauce Recipes

The secret to a great carbonara sauce is its creamy silky texture without using cream. The classic Roman version relies on eggs, cheese, pasta water, and black pepper, while modern adaptations may include heavy cream for extra richness. If you are making Filipino-style carbonara, you will typically use evaporated milk or all purpose cream for a smoother, slightly sweeter taste. Want a healthier twist? Swap out some cheese for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to lighten things up.

Carbonara Meat Options

Traditional carbonara uses pancetta or guanciale for a deep, salty flavor, but there are plenty of other meat options to try. Bacon and is a common substitute giving the dish a smoky kick. Pork and Beef will also work well. If you want a leaner protein, turkey bacon, chicken, or even smoked salmon can work well. For a Filipino style carbonara, ham or even hotdogs are popular choices adding a unique sweetness to the dish.

Healthy Carbonara Additions

While traditional carbonara is all about eggs, cheese, and pancetta, adding vegetables can bring freshness, texture, color and extra nutrition to the dish.

Mushrooms are a popular addition, especially in Filipino carbonara, adding an earthy, umami flavor that complements the creamy sauce. Peas, corn, carrot provide a pop of sweetness and color, balancing out the richness of the dish. Spinach or kale can be tossed in for a boost of greens, wilting perfectly into the hot pasta. If you want some crunch, try adding zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers, lightly sautéed to keep their bite. For a smoky twist, roasted cauliflower or grilled eggplant can add depth while keeping the dish hearty.

Carbonara Recipe Pasta

The best pasta for carbonara is one that holds the sauce well. Spaghetti is the traditional choice, but fettuccine, bucatini, or rigatoni work better as well as they giving the sauce more surface area to cling to. If you are making a Filipino style carbonara, you might find people using macaroni or penne especially in party style servings. No matter which pasta you choose always save some pasta water, it is the key to getting that perfect creamy sauce.

Creamy Carbonara Serving & Pairing Ideas

A simple Caesar salad or garlic bread makes the perfect side for carbonara, adding crunch to balance the creamy pasta. Roasted asparagus or grilled zucchini bring a fresh, slightly charred contrast.

For drinks, a chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully, cutting through the richness. Prefer something non-alcoholic? Try a lemon-infused sparkling water or a light iced tea to keep things refreshing. If you want to go all out, finish with a classic tiramisu or a scoop of gelato for the perfect Italian-inspired meal.

Carbonara Recipe Filipino

Print Recipe

Healthy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Servings: 4 people

Ingredients

14 oz whole wheat spaghetti (400g)
1 cup diced ham steak or any meat of your choice
1 cup mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots)
2 eggs
1 cup Greek yogurt (250ml)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g )
3 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley
½ cup 120ml reserved pasta water
1 tbsp olive oil
salt and pepper

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, saute the garlic in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant. Add the diced ham and cook until slightly browned.
Toss in the mixed veggies and cook for another 2 minutes until softened.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, salt/pepper, herbs.
Reduce the pans heat to low, then add the cooked pasta to the pan. Pour in the egg mixture and quickly toss everything together.
Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring constantly until the sauce turns creamy and coats the pasta.
Remove from heat and serve warm. Garnish with extra Parmesan, black pepper or more herbs if desired.

I you love a classic creamy carbonara, a healthier carbonara, or a Filipino style carbonara, this dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Try these variations and find your favorite.

Want more easy, delicious pasta recipes? Stay tuned for our next guide.