Easy Creamy Carbonara Recipe

This easy creamy carbonara is a rich, comforting pasta dish that I love to make when I want something indulgent yet simple. The sauce is velvety smooth, coating every strand of spaghetti perfectly, and the addition of garlic and parmesan gives it that classic Italian-inspired flavor I can’t resist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this creamy carbonara because it’s incredibly quick to make and doesn’t require complicated ingredients. The sauce comes together easily with cream and flour, creating a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s a satisfying dish that feels fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion finely chopped
3 cups heavy cream
2 tbsp all purpose flour
¼ cup water
handful fresh parsley chopped
8 oz spaghetti
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving

Directions

1. I start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. I then drain it and set it aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, I heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. I add the finely chopped onion and sauté it for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
4. Next, I sprinkle in the flour and stir it well for about a minute to create a roux.
5. Slowly, I pour in the heavy cream and water while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
6. I add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then let the sauce simmer on low heat for 5–7 minutes until it thickens.
7. Once the sauce reaches a creamy consistency, I toss in the cooked spaghetti, mixing well so the pasta is fully coated.
8. I stir in the chopped parsley and adjust the seasoning to taste.
9. I serve it immediately with a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes approximately 25 minutes to make—10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking.

Variations

For extra richness, I’ve whisked in an egg yolk just before tossing the pasta with the sauce. If I’m craving vegetables, I’ll stir in sautéed mushrooms, peas, or spinach. For a lighter version, I occasionally substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, I can use milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Mixing milk with a little cream helps keep it creamy without being too heavy.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

I make sure to cook the sauce on low heat and whisk continuously when adding the cream to avoid overheating.

Can I add eggs to make it more traditional?

Yes, adding one egg yolk gives the sauce a more authentic carbonara feel and extra creaminess.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

I usually use spaghetti, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne also work perfectly.

How can I make it vegetarian?

It’s already vegetarian, but I sometimes enhance it with vegetables like mushrooms, peas, or spinach for added texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free spaghetti and replace the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour.

How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

I let it simmer a few more minutes or add a bit more flour mixed with water to reach my desired thickness.

Can I freeze creamy carbonara?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the cream sauce tends to separate when thawed, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

What can I serve with creamy carbonara?

I like pairing it with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How can I make it more flavorful?

I sometimes add freshly grated parmesan, a pinch of nutmeg, or even a dash of white wine while cooking the sauce for extra depth.

Conclusion

I love how this easy creamy carbonara turns simple ingredients into a comforting, restaurant-worthy dish in no time. The sauce is luxuriously smooth, the pasta perfectly coated, and every bite feels like pure comfort. It’s the kind of meal I come back to again and again whenever I crave something rich, cozy, and satisfying.

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