Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Ed Joven
Creamy Penne Carbonara Recipe: A Comfort Food Favorite Made Easy
If you want something quick, comforting, and absolutely satisfying, the Creamy Penne Carbonara Recipe will never disappoint you. This rich and flavorful dish always delivers with its smooth sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and cheesy, savory kick. Whether feeding your family or treating yourself after a long day, Creamy Penne Carbonara feels like a warm hug in every bite.
What makes this recipe a go-to meal is how fast it comes together. You do not need to be a kitchen pro to whip up a bowl of this creamy goodness. Plus, it works well for both weeknight dinners and weekend pasta parties. The smooth and velvety texture of the sauce clings to every piece of penne pasta, making each forkful full of flavor.
Table of contents
- Creamy Penne Carbonara Recipe: A Comfort Food Favorite Made Easy
- What Makes Penne Carbonara Worth It?
- Ingredients and Step by Step Procedure:
- Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Storage Tips: Enjoy It Later Without Losing Flavor
- Why You’ll Love This Carbonara
- Creamy Penne Carbonara FAQ
- Perfect Filipino Food Pairings for Penne Carbonara
What Makes Penne Carbonara Worth It?
This recipe offers more than taste. Penne Carbonara provides decent protein and healthy fats, especially when you use quality eggs and cheese. The pasta also brings energy-boosting carbs to the table. It gives your body fuel without making you feel too heavy.
If you want a little nutrient boost, toss some mushrooms or green peas for added fiber and vitamins. These mix-ins make the dish more colorful and enhance its overall nutrition without ruining the classic taste.
Ingredients and Step by Step Procedure:
Creamy Penne Carbonara
Ingredients
- 500 g Penne Noodles cooked
- 5 strips Bacon thinly slice
- 1 tbsp. Butter
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 med. White Onion minced
- 250 g Sweet Ham cut into chunks
- 115 g Mushroom Slices drained
- 1 can 290g Cream of Mushroom
- 250 ml All-Purpose Cream
- 370 ml Evaporated Milk
- 50 g Quickmelt Cheese grated
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- Parmesan Cheese for toppings
Instructions
~ Cook the Pasta ~
- Bring 3 liters of water to a boil in a large pot.
- Add a pinch of salt and a little oil to the water.
- Add the pasta and cook for 9 to 10 minutes or until al dente (refer to package instructions).
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
~ Fry the Bacon ~
- Preheat a large pan over medium heat.
- Add bacon slices and fry until crispy and the fat renders out.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside.
- Keep the bacon oil in the pan for added flavor.
~ Sauté the Aromatics and Add Ingredients ~
- Lower the heat to low.
- Add butter to the pan with the bacon oil and let it melt.
- Sauté garlic and onions until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ham slices and cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add the mushroom slices and sauté for another 3 minutes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
~ Make the Creamy Sauce ~
- Pour in the cream of mushroom, all-purpose cream, and evaporated milk.
- Stir well until the mixture is fully combined.
- Let the sauce simmer for around 7 minutes.
- Add grated cheese and stir until it melts completely.
- Season again with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Turn off the heat and do a taste test. Adjust seasoning if needed.
~ Combine Pasta and Sauce ~
- Gradually add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce.
- Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
~ Serve and Enjoy ~
- Mix in Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Garnish with crispy bacon, extra Parmesan, and a sprinkle of dried parsley.
- Serve hot with toasted garlic bread on the side.
Video
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid sogginess.
- Use low heat when adding cream to prevent curdling.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Use fresh garlic for better aroma and depth.
- Serve hot for best texture and flavor.
Nutrition
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Before starting things, ensure your kitchen has the right tools. Here’s a quick list of what you need:
- A large pot for boiling the penne
- A deep, non-stick pan or skillet for making the sauce
- A colander for draining the pasta
- A mixing bowl for preparing the egg and cheese mixture
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing
- Tongs or a pasta spoon for tossing everything together
Using the proper kitchen utensils helps the cooking process go smoothly. You avoid burns, overcooked pasta, or clumpy sauce using the right tools.
Keep it Safe: Food Safety Tips You Should Know.
Always wash your hands before and after when handling raw eggs and meat. Use separate utensils if you prep bacon or pancetta to avoid cross-contamination. Keep your ingredients fresh and cold in the fridge until you can use them.
Cook the bacon until it reaches a safe temperature, and always add the egg and cheese mixture off the heat. This technique gives you a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Work quickly and confidently during this step to achieve that silky finish.
Storage Tips: Enjoy It Later Without Losing Flavor
If you make a big batch or end up with leftovers, store them correctly. Let the pasta cool down before placing it in an airtight container. Please put it in the fridge within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth. This dish stays suitable for up to three days when appropriately chilled.
To reheat, place it in a pan over low heat and add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture. Stir constantly to avoid burning or drying it out. Avoid using a microwave if possible because it breaks the sauce and makes the pasta rubbery.
Why You’ll Love This Carbonara
Creamy Penne Carbonara combines simple ingredients and turns them into something that feels fancy yet super easy to make. It offers a balance of flavor and comfort without complicated steps or special techniques. If you want a dish that delivers satisfaction in every bite and fits your busy schedule, this one earns a spot in your weekly rotation.
So grab your apron, boil that penne, and let the creamy magic happen.
Creamy Penne Carbonara FAQ
Creamy Penne Carbonara uses cream for a smooth sauce, while the traditional version relies on eggs, cheese, and pasta water with no added cream.
Yes. Spaghetti, fettuccine, rigatoni, or fusilli also work well. Just cook the pasta al dente so it holds the sauce better.
Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg and cheese mix. Stir quickly to keep the sauce smooth.
Perfect Filipino Food Pairings for Penne Carbonara
Creamy Penne Carbonara pairs beautifully with various Filipino favorites, balancing its rich and savory flavor. Serve it with a side of Garlic Pan De Sal or warm Pandesal for a soft, slightly sweet contrast. Add a fresh Filipino-style Caesar Salad with Bagoong vinaigrette for a crisp, tangy bite. Enjoy a heartier combo with Chicken Inasal or Inihaw na Liempo to bring in that smoky, savory Filipino touch. You can also serve Lumpiang Shanghai as a crunchy appetizer and finish the meal with a refreshing glass of iced Buko Pandan Sago at Gulaman or Calamansi Juice Cooler to cleanse the palate.
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