Creamy Tri-Color Pasta Carbonara
This Creamy Tri-Color Pasta Carbonara is the perfect solution for a quick dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor. Featuring delightful tri-color spiral pasta, this dish is enveloped in a luscious sauce made from butter, parmesan cheese, and rich evaporated milk, which creates a creamy texture you'll love. The addition of slightly beaten eggs ensures a velvety finish while crumbled bacon adds a savory crunch to every bite. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that will please the whole family. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or last-minute lunch plans!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
tri-color spiral pasta
12 (ounces)
butter
1/4 (cup)
parmesan cheese
1/2 (cup, grated)
evaporated milk or cream
1/2 (cup)
eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
cooked bacon
1/2 (cup, crumbled)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the tri-color spiral pasta. Cook according to package directions, about 8-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the parmesan cheese and continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is nearly boiling.
3
In a separate bowl, slowly add a small amount of the hot cheese mixture to the slightly beaten eggs, whisking continuously to temper the eggs. This will prevent them from scrambling.
4
Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the cheese and butter. Stir constantly over low heat until the sauce is warmed through and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and gently fold in the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon, tossing until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tri-Color Pasta Carbonara?
It is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tri-color spiral pasta in a creamy sauce made from butter, parmesan, evaporated milk, and eggs, topped with bacon.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is very fast and can be ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 12 ounces of tri-color spiral pasta.
Can I use cream instead of evaporated milk?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 1/2 cup of evaporated milk or 1/2 cup of cream.
How many eggs are required?
You will need 2 eggs, which should be slightly beaten before being added to the sauce.
How do I temper the eggs for the sauce?
Slowly add a small amount of the hot cheese mixture to the beaten eggs while whisking continuously to prevent them from scrambling.
Why is tempering the eggs important?
Tempering slowly raises the temperature of the eggs so they blend smoothly into the sauce without curdling or scrambling.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with straightforward steps and a short preparation time.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of melted butter, parmesan cheese, evaporated milk, and tempered eggs.
Can I make this a vegetarian dish?
Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the bacon or using a vegetarian bacon substitute.
What kind of cheese is used in this carbonara?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter.
When should I add the bacon?
The crumbled bacon should be gently folded into the pasta and sauce at the very end of the cooking process.
How long should the pasta boil?
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, typically about 8-9 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It is best served immediately while hot, perhaps alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While the recipe calls for spirals, you can use other shapes, though the tri-color variety adds visual appeal.
How much pasta is required?
You will need one 12-ounce package of pasta.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tiny splash of additional evaporated milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
How much parmesan cheese is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Does this recipe include salt?
Salt is used in the boiling water for the pasta; additional salt is usually not needed due to the parmesan and bacon.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, the recipe specifically lists 1/2 cup of crumbled cooked bacon as an ingredient.
Is the sauce cooked over high heat?
No, the sauce should be stirred over low heat once the eggs are added to ensure it thickens gently without scrambling.
What should I serve as a side?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables are recommended to create a well-rounded meal.
Can I add extra vegetables to the pasta?
Yes, peas or sautéed mushrooms would make excellent additions to this creamy carbonara.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Pasta is al dente when it is tender but still has a slightly firm bite in the center.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
While butter provides the best flavor for the sauce, margarine can be used as a substitute if necessary.
How much evaporated milk is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of evaporated milk.
Should the eggs be room temperature?
While not strictly required, room temperature eggs can be easier to temper than cold eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, because it is so quick to prepare, it is perfect for last-minute lunch plans.
What is the texture of the final dish?
The dish features a velvety, luscious sauce that evenly coats the spirals, accented by the crunch of bacon bits.