Creamy Ham and Herb Carbonara
Indulge in this luscious Creamy Ham and Herb Carbonara, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish. Made with angel hair pasta and creamy sauce, it’s a perfect blend of flavors that come together in just about 30 minutes. The combination of sautéed onions, savory ham, and aromatic fresh parsley elevates this dish, making it not only quick and easy for busy weekdays but also comforting enough to impress the whole family. Tossed in a rich and slightly tangy sauce enriched with egg yolks, this carbonara is sure to be a hit at your dinner table while allowing you to spend quality time with loved ones.
N/A
Servings
375
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
angel hair pasta
1 package (cooked according to package instructions)
medium onion
1 (thinly sliced)
vegetable oil
1/3 cup (for sautéing)
fully cooked ham
1 cup (cubed)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (add to ham mixture)
margarine
1/4 cup (melted)
egg yolks
2 (beaten)
fresh parsley
1/2 cup (minced)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and sauté until translucent and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the cubed ham, chicken broth, and melted margarine, allowing the mixture to heat through for about 4-5 minutes.
4
Add the drained pasta to the ham mixture, gently tossing to combine while adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help coat the noodles.
5
In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks together. Remove the skillet from heat and quickly pour the egg yolks over the pasta, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Make sure the heat from the pasta cooks the eggs without scrambling them.
6
Once the sauce reaches a creamy consistency, fold in the minced parsley and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Toss to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with the remaining parmesan cheese and additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
17.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ham and Herb Carbonara?
It is a luscious twist on the classic Italian dish made with angel hair pasta, savory ham, and a rich sauce enriched with egg yolks and parmesan.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The entire dish comes together in approximately 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weekdays.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses one package of angel hair pasta cooked until al dente.
How should I cook the angel hair pasta?
Cook it in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water helps to coat the noodles and adjust the sauce consistency later in the cooking process.
How are the onions prepared for this dish?
One medium onion should be thinly sliced and sautéed in vegetable oil until translucent and slightly caramelized.
What kind of ham is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of fully cooked ham, which should be cubed before adding to the skillet.
What is the purpose of adding chicken broth?
1/2 cup of chicken broth is added to the ham mixture to provide moisture and flavor to the sauce base.
Does the recipe use butter or margarine?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/4 cup of melted margarine to be stirred into the ham mixture.
How many egg yolks are needed for the carbonara?
Two beaten egg yolks are used to create the signature creamy texture of the carbonara sauce.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling?
Remove the skillet from the heat before pouring the egg yolks over the pasta and stir continuously so the residual heat cooks them into a smooth sauce.
What fresh herb is included in this recipe?
1/2 cup of minced fresh parsley is used to provide an aromatic and fresh flavor to the dish.
What type of cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, divided between the sauce and the garnish.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving of this Creamy Ham and Herb Carbonara contains 375 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 21.25 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does this dish have?
This pasta dish contains 37.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of the recipe?
Each serving provides 17.5 grams of protein.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and an easy dinner option.
Can this be served as a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is categorized as a one-dish meal that is both comforting and filling.
How long should the onions be sautéed?
Sauté the sliced onions for about 5 to 7 minutes until they are translucent and caramelized.
How long should the ham mixture heat through?
Allow the ham, chicken broth, and margarine mixture to heat through for about 4 to 5 minutes.
When do I add the parmesan cheese?
Fold in half of the parmesan cheese once the sauce reaches a creamy consistency, then use the rest for garnish.
How do I finish and season the dish?
Toss the pasta with the herbs and cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Is this dish suitable for families?
Yes, the recipe is described as a comforting meal that is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
What oil is used for sautéing?
1/3 cup of vegetable oil is used to sauté the onions in a large skillet.
What is the final garnish for the carbonara?
The dish is garnished with the remaining grated parmesan cheese and additional fresh parsley if desired.
Can I add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick?
Yes, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water while tossing the noodles to help coat them and reach the desired consistency.
What makes this carbonara different from traditional recipes?
This version includes chicken broth, margarine, and onions, which adds a unique flavor profile to the traditional egg-based sauce.
Is the ham added before or after the pasta?
The ham is heated in the skillet first, and the cooked pasta is added to the ham mixture before the eggs are introduced.
Should the pasta be hot when adding the eggs?
Yes, the heat from the freshly cooked and tossed pasta is what cooks the beaten egg yolks into a creamy sauce.