Savory Country Ham Fettuccine Carbonara
Indulge in a rich and creamy Savory Country Ham Fettuccine Carbonara that brings a delightful twist to the classic Italian dish. This recipe features al dente fettuccine coated in a luscious sauce made from egg yolks and Parmesan cheese, enriched with the smoky flavor of crispy country ham. Fresh shallots and garlic add aromatic depth, while the bright notes of chives and parsley elevate the dish. Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions, this carbonara is sure to impress family and friends alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
refrigerated fettuccine
9 ounces (none)
country ham
3/4 cup (chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (none)
shallots
2 (thinly sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (pressed)
pasteurized egg yolks
2 (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly shredded)
chives
3 tablespoons (chopped)
parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
freshly cracked pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the fettuccine according to the package directions. Drain the pasta but reserve 1 1/2 cups of the hot pasta water for later use.
2
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped country ham and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it becomes crisp. Once done, remove the ham from the skillet and drain on paper towels, leaving the drippings in the pan.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced shallots to the drippings and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender. Then, add the pressed garlic and sauté for another minute.
4
Pour in the reserved hot pasta water, bringing the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the hot, drained fettuccine to the skillet and remove it from the heat.
5
Gradually stir in the egg yolks, one at a time, ensuring the heat is off to avoid scrambling the eggs. Reduce the heat to medium and cook while stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
6
Finally, toss in the crispy ham, freshly shredded Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, parsley, and freshly cracked pepper. Mix until everything is combined.
7
Serve the carbonara immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Country Ham Fettuccine Carbonara?
It is a rich and creamy twist on the classic Italian carbonara featuring smoky country ham, shallots, and garlic.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of refrigerated fettuccine pasta.
How much country ham do I need?
You will need 3/4 cup of chopped country ham.
How many egg yolks are required?
The recipe uses 2 pasteurized egg yolks to create the creamy sauce.
Is there cream in this carbonara sauce?
No, the sauce is made from a combination of egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, and reserved pasta water.
How much Parmesan cheese should I use?
Use 1/2 cup of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.
What aromatics are included in the dish?
The dish uses two shallots and two garlic cloves for aromatic depth.
How are the shallots prepared?
The shallots should be thinly sliced before sautéing.
What is the preparation method for the garlic?
The garlic cloves should be pressed before being added to the skillet.
Which fresh herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of chopped chives and 3 tablespoons of chopped parsley.
How much olive oil is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of olive oil to cook the ham.
How long should I cook the country ham?
Cook the ham for 4 to 5 minutes or until it becomes crisp.
Should I drain the ham drippings?
No, you should leave the drippings in the pan to sauté the shallots and garlic.
How much pasta water should be reserved?
Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the hot pasta water after cooking the fettuccine.
What do I do with the reserved pasta water?
The pasta water is added to the skillet and brought to a boil to help form the sauce base.
How do I prevent the egg yolks from scrambling?
Add the yolks gradually while the skillet is removed from the heat, then return to medium heat while stirring constantly.
How long do I cook the sauce once the yolks are added?
Stir and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
When do I add the crispy ham back into the dish?
Toss in the crispy ham at the very end along with the cheese, herbs, and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the dish with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
How much black pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of freshly cracked pepper, or to taste.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight meal?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner and a great weeknight meal option.
What is the category of this recipe?
This recipe is categorized under Ham dishes.
How long should the shallots be sautéed?
Sauté the sliced shallots for 3 to 4 minutes until they are tender.
Can I use dry pasta instead of refrigerated?
While refrigerated fettuccine is recommended, you can use dry pasta, though cooking times will vary.
Does this dish contain any sugar?
Based on the ingredients listed, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
Is the garlic sautéed at the same time as the shallots?
No, add the garlic after the shallots have sautéed for 3 to 4 minutes, then cook for one additional minute.
What kind of texture should the sauce have?
The sauce should be luscious, creamy, and coat the pasta evenly.
Is this a traditional Italian recipe?
It is a variation of a traditional carbonara that incorporates country ham and shallots for a unique twist.
Should this dish be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and creaminess, it should be served immediately after preparation.