A comforting twist on the classic Pasta Carbonara with the addition of nutritious spinach.
Did you know?
Spinach is an excellent source of iron and was famously the secret to Popeye's superhuman strength!
Ah, Pasta Carbonara – a classic that hums the songs of Rome’s culinary streets. This dish is believed to have originated during World War II, inspired by the American rations of eggs and bacon provided to Italian locals. Traditionally, it’s an execution in simplicity and harmony, needing just a handful of ingredients. But today, we're adding a vibrant, nutritious twist with one of the most versatile greens – spinach. Imagine the velvety, creamy sauce coating each strand of pasta, with flecks of spinach bringing an earthiness to every bite. This twist not only revitalizes the dish but also sneaks in some extra greens, making it a delightful balance of indulgence and health. Perfect for a comforting dinner that carries a touch of history and a sprinkle of green goodness!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you'll need to bring this modern twist on Pasta Carbonara to life:
Pancetta and Eggs
- 350 grams of spaghetti
- 150 grams of pancetta, diced
- 3 large eggs
- 100 grams of grated Parmesan cheese
- 200 grams of fresh spinach leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Steps
Follow these steps to create your Spinach-Infused Pasta Carbonara:
- Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic to the pancetta and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted, then set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
- Quickly add the hot pasta to the skillet with the pancetta and spinach. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the top, tossing everything together swiftly to create a creamy sauce. If needed, use a bit of the reserved pasta water to help smooth the sauce.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.
Add some extra love
For an added touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Recipe Remix:
Your Twist, Your Taste
Whether you would like to swap out an ingredient, make it vegan, or just mix things up, let's get creative and remix this recipe!
Your kitchen, your rules. Let's play.
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