The twelve minute pasta carbonara!
by girlinafoodfrenzy
Quick easy meals, for a frenzy free lunch. I love a quick and easy tummy filler as much as the next gal but sometimes there’s too much to do! There’s a brief glimpse of my sweetheart from time to time this week.
Either he’s leaving the flat and I’m slowly waking up. Or I’m leaving work on my lunch break, just as he’s arriving to work. Yes that’s right folks, we both work together at the theatre, but that doesn’t mean I actually get to see him!
So for quick and easy meals on the go, (they might be carb filled,) but it’s certainly the kind of food that keeps our tummies fueled for the next five hours. I guarantee you can cook this in 12 mins and its a lifesaver. (Ok it might not actually save your life but it will certainly save you time!)
The 12 min Pasta Carbonara: serves 1
Ingredients:
Your choice of pasta (I’ve chosen linguine today,)
A few pieces of Prosciutto or pancetta, cut into thin strips;
(feel free to omit for a veggie friendly option!)
1 egg yolk,
Generous knob of butter,
1 Spring onion stem, cut into smaller pieces,
Few tbsp of good quality cheese, Parmesan, cheddar, gruyere or whichever you prefer,
Sprinkle of salt & freshly cracked pepper, I’m using truffle salt today for my (every day little luxury)
Method:
Put the pasta onto boil according to the instructions on the packet.
Chop the spring onion into smaller strips and set aside,
Grate the cheese and separate the egg yolk, (reserve)
Cook the pasta until it’s just before the al denté stage and strain off most of the cooking liquor, (keep a few tablespoons aside in case the pasta is too dry later,)
Toss the pasta with the knob of butter
Season with the salt and pepper and stir in the prosciutto, cheese, egg yolk & spring onion.
Serve piping hot with a little of the cooking liquor mixed in to loosen the sauce, and eat! Mangiamo!
Like this, you might want to see:
Cheesy, Greeny, cannelloni
Spaghetti Confetti
Fettucine with Parmesan cream and white truffles
No only is this a quick meal but it is one of my favorites…simple and delicious. I like that you added the spring onion stem for flavor and color.
Hi Karen, I want sure if a 12 min pasta recipe would be described as ‘great cooking’ per say, but I figure a food blog can be about the food challenges, the food highlights and then the everyday ‘yummy’ stuff that’s in between.
Most of my recipes seem to take a little longer, slow braises, cakes, soups and stocks etc, I promise I do quick & easy too!
It is not the amount of time that goes into a dish but the quality of the ingredients and the skill to put it together. This is a recipe that everyone will love.
Thank you Karen, it’s true we’re often looking for inspiration and ways to compliment our own styles of cooking! So glad for your great feedback,
a good fast meal and many additions can be added to personalize this dish. The cheese is what makes it!
I know! Pasta without cheese is like a leading lady, without the leading man…it doesn’t work! Ok that’s a generalization, how about an opera without the aria?
OMG, I LOVE this! Thanks for sharing!
Hi hipfoodiemom, very welcome. I wasn’t sure if folks really wanted another pasta recipe, but I figure I needed a little carb fueling and this just happens to be the pic I took that day!
And wow, no heavy cream? Awesome!
I forgot to add my friend Dilletta as my inspiration for this. She’s from the Le Marche region in Italy and when she stayed with me (and we made this pasta) I was surprised there was no cream, just egg and (onion.) I love the shallots for the colour and it tastes similar to her original version too. Happy Cooking!
That’s exactly what I am craving right now! I better go get some carbonara
mmm
Probably no shortage of beautiful noodles and cheeses in France other. Dare I say, the addition of actual Truffles (instead of the salt) might be a possibility too?
Quick, easy and very satisfying! You’ve just reminded me how much I like linguine.
Hi Lorna, there’s not much that’s more satisfying than a good bowl of pasta! Especially in the cooler months too. Looking forward to seeing some of your linguine pics soon…
Can’t believe that took so little time with such delicious results!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
I know Uru! So many times my recipes get longer and more wordy! Gotta love short & simple too
Sounds and looks great!!
Thank you Amy, I hope it’s a good tummy filler & time saver for you too.
You certainly got my attention with 12 minutes. I need more quick and easy recipes. This looks FANTASTIC!
That’s terrific! I’m thrilled that this recipe can be of use to you and I hope to have lots more like these in the future (now I know how popular) these time savers are
One of my weaknesses. What I made for supper tonight. Love that it can be whipped up in no time! I love your pictures!
Thank you! Definitely a favourite of mine too. Pasta never fails to satisfy especially when in a hurry up and eat, state
Mmm, I love carbonara and if I can really make this in 12 minutes, I’d be in heaven! I never feel like there’s enough time for me to get anything done in my day. Thanks for sharing!
So very welcome! It’s a good stand-by which always keeps me going for a good few hours at least.
I love your pictures! Did you put the images into grid using an app?
Thank you! I’m using Frametastic for those grids. It’s an app on apple (not sure about Android tho?)
Ah, thanks!
Catching up on my favorite blogs today since I have more time available.
LOVE pasta carbonara. You’re right in that it’s quick and a delicious tummy filler. Lovely pasta plating picture. 
Awwww…to work at the same place with your sweetie and not be able to really get to see him… 
Thank you! I think there’s something to be said for simple strands of pasta dressed with generous amounts of cheese. I love a bit of Instagram (or a lot!!!)
I love carbonara – it’s one of my faves. Yours looks delicious!
Hi Christina, thank you
I seem to be doing a lot of fast meals at home of late, going to do another Speedy Gonzalez for brunch soon!
Mine did not fit the 30 minute bill… http://wp.me/p1NUXa-AX
But it did look tasty
I love carbonara – especially like the idea that the black pepper represents the coal dust that would fall onto the plates from the miners clothes that traditionally ate this dish
That’s such an interesting fact! You are a wealth of knowledge and very yummy ideas