Name: Creamy Carbonara Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 1 cup smoked pork belly (diced); 3 cups heavy cream; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup water; Handful of fresh parsley (chopped); 8 oz spaghetti; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

If you’re dreaming of comfort food that instantly brings warmth to the table, look no further than this Creamy Carbonara Recipe. Packed with rich, smoky pork belly, ribbons of spaghetti, and a luscious sauce that clings to every strand, this version is luxurious yet surprisingly unfussy. The secret? Simple ingredients that shine—no tricky techniques, but all the classic Italian-inspired flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this Creamy Carbonara Recipe will be your new favorite go-to meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Carbonara Recipe is how it transforms a handful of straightforward ingredients into something truly extraordinary. Each item here plays a crucial role, from creating a silky-smooth sauce to providing those unmistakable layers of flavor and aroma.

Oil: Start your flavor base and help the pork belly brown to perfection.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweet, savory depth that builds the sauce’s backbone.
Smoked pork belly: Salty, smoky, and utterly irresistible—cubed small, it crisps up like a dream.
Heavy cream: The star ingredient, guaranteeing that incredible creamy texture you crave.
All purpose flour: Just a touch thickens the sauce, making every forkful wonderfully clingy.
Water: Whisked with flour, it helps prevent lumps and ensures a velvet-smooth finish.
Fresh parsley: Bright and fresh, it adds pop of color and a hint of garden flavor.
Spaghetti: The ultimate pasta for carbonara—al dente, it absorbs every bit of sauce.
Garlic powder: Simple but effective, for a subtle kick and fragrant undertone.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust!
Parmesan cheese: Finishes everything with a savory, nutty flourish—serve it at the table for an extra sprinkle!

How to Make Creamy Carbonara Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Before you even turn on the stove, take a few minutes to gather and prep all your ingredients. Finely chop the onion and parsley, and dice the pork belly into small, even cubes. This mise en place makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free—everything at your fingertips just when you need it!

Step 2: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add your spaghetti. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s just al dente (slightly firm to the bite). Once done, rinse briefly with cold water to halt the cooking—this helps keep the noodles from going mushy later. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Pork Belly and Onion

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pork belly and chopped onion, stirring occasionally. In about 7 minutes, the pork belly should be deliciously crispy, with golden-brown onion bits that smell irresistible. This step lays a savory, aromatic foundation for the Creamy Carbonara Recipe.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to pick up all those flavorful bits from the pan. In a small bowl, whisk the flour and water until completely smooth, then pour it into the skillet in a thin stream. Stir constantly to avoid lumps, then add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to your liking. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, giving it occasional stirs—the sauce should thicken into a rich, creamy delight.

Step 5: Combine with Spaghetti

Add the cooked spaghetti directly into the skillet with your creamy sauce. Use tongs or a fork to gently toss until every strand is coated in that luscious, cheesy sauce. Be sure to keep the heat low so the sauce stays silky and doesn’t thicken too much.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Take the skillet off the heat, then shower everything with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley. Serve piping hot and let everyone top their own bowl with a snowy mountain of grated Parmesan cheese. Taste, tweak the seasoning if needed, and prepare for happy sighs all around!

How to Serve Creamy Carbonara Recipe

Garnishes

A shower of fresh parsley and a big sprinkle of Parmesan cheese are the classic touches, adding color and a salty, nutty finish. For a little extra flair, try a crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving—these simple touches bring out the best in this Creamy Carbonara Recipe.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and let this pasta shine! A crisp green salad tossed with lemony vinaigrette, or maybe some garlic bread for sopping up extra sauce, makes a fabulous, unfussy pairing. If you’re feeling extra, roasted seasonal vegetables are a wonderful side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, twirl the spaghetti into little nests on each plate and crown with extra pork belly or parsley. Serve family-style in a big, shallow bowl at the center of the table, so everyone can help themselves. Or, for a date-night feel, use wide pasta bowls and finish with a Parmesan crisp perched on top!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you somehow end up with leftovers (not easy with this dish!), let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken more over time, but the richness remains.

Freezing

This Creamy Carbonara Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in a pinch. Portion the pasta into airtight freezer containers and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the creamiest results.

Reheating

To bring leftover creamy carbonara back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring in a bit of liquid to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use bacon instead of pork belly?

Absolutely! While pork belly delivers classic smoky richness, thick-cut bacon can stand in perfectly. Just be sure to cook it until nice and crisp for that signature bite in your Creamy Carbonara Recipe.

Is it okay to skip the flour?

You can! The flour adds extra stability and silkiness to the sauce, but if you prefer a slightly looser texture, simply leave it out. The heavy cream should still create a beautiful, glossy finish.

What kind of Parmesan works best?

Freshly grated Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) is hands down the winner for both flavor and meltability. It adds wonderful umami depth, making your Creamy Carbonara Recipe sing.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

Heavy cream is traditional in this version for that ultra-rich sauce, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk in a pinch. Just keep in mind, the sauce will be a bit lighter and less thick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Swap in gluten-free spaghetti and use a gluten-free all purpose flour for the thickener. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this Creamy Carbonara Recipe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a foolproof pasta that’s comforting, quick, and pure joy on a plate, put this Creamy Carbonara Recipe at the top of your list. The combination of smoky pork, rich sauce, and a pop of parsley is simply irresistible. Trust me, this is one dish you’ll want to make again and again—don’t wait to treat yourself to something so delicious!

Creamy Carbonara Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this classic Carbonara recipe. With smoky pork belly, velvety sauce, and perfectly cooked spaghetti, this dish is a true comfort food favorite.

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion and parsley. Dice the smoked pork belly into small pieces. Cook the spaghetti until al dente, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Cook the Pork Belly and Onion: Heat oil in a skillet, add pork belly and onion. Sauté until crispy and golden brown.
Make the Creamy Sauce: Add cream to the skillet. Whisk flour and water, then pour into the skillet. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
Combine with Spaghetti: Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian