17 Excellent Carbonara Dishes

Updated March 08, 2016
Credit: Randy Mayor

The origins of carbonara recipes come from Italy, and the word itself denotes a type of sauce made with pork, egg, and cream. The sauce can be enjoyed on pastas, pizzas, and other types of Italian fare. 

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Linguine Carbonara

Credit: Jennifer Causey; Styling: Lindsey Lower, Claire Spollen

Linguine Carbonara Recipe

Have your bacon cooked and eggs ready when the pasta is done. For the creamiest sauce, you want a little of the water still clinging to the noodles when you add them to the eggs.

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Collard Green Carbonara

Credit: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Caroline M. Cunningham

Collard Green Carbonara Recipe

Pasta carbonara is the ultimate quick dinner. It's rich, satisfying, and works during the week but is worthy of weekend company.

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Pasta Carbonara Florentine

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Pasta Carbonara Florentine Recipe

Whisked eggs and Parmesan cheese are stirred into a skillet of just-cooked pasta to coat the noodles with a rich, creamy sauce. The spinach isn't traditional but adds color and a subtle earthy flavor twist.

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Delfina's Carbonara Pizza

Credit: Thomas J. Story

Delfina's Carbonara Pizza Recipe

This pizza features an incredible homemade crust made with Italian flour for a truly authentic dinner experience.

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Country Ham Carbonara

Credit: Iain Bagwell; Styling: Vanessa McNeil Rocchio

Country Ham Carbonara Recipe

Hearty, not heavy, is key in this savory Italian meal of Country Ham Carbonara. Serve this one-dish pasta immediately for the best flavor.

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Tomato and Asparagus "Carbonara"

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Tomato and Asparagus "Carbonara" Recipe

Toss the pasta and vegetables immediately after cooking. The heat from the pasta will cook the egg, thickening it into a light, creamy sauce.

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Carbonara Pizza

Credit: Romulo Yanes

Carbonara Pizza Recipe

This interesting take on carbonara uses it to top a pizza. Layered with prosciutto and peas, this pizza is a fun addition to the weeknight spread.

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Bucatini Carbonara

Credit: © Anna Williams

Bucatini Carbonara Recipe

Italian carbonara is famously rich, combining pancetta or guanciale, egg yolks and cheese. At Holeman and Finch, Linton Hopkins adds his own Southern accent to the dish with house-cured pork and local eggs.

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Pasta Carbonara Frittata

Pasta Carbonara Frittata Recipe

This interesting take on a carbonara recipes treats it more as a skillet dish or casserole. The dish browns beautifully under the broiler for a hearty and satisfying weeknight dinner.

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Spaghetti Carbonara

Credit: Antonis Achilleos; Food Styling: Margaret Dickey; Prop Styling: Kay Clarke

Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

Silky with egg and melted cheese, freshened with parsley, and spiked with black pepper, spaghetti carbonara brings intense flavors into balance.

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Pasta Carbonara

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Pasta Carbonara Recipe

This six-ingredient pasta recipe is the perfect speedy option for a busy week. This dish features bacon as well, which is always an enticing addition.

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Asparagus and Chicken Carbonara

Credit: Randy Mayor; Melanie J. Clarke

Asparagus and Chicken Carbonara Recipe

This healthy chicken carbonara dish is not only absolutely delicious, it's also lower in fat and calories than traditional pasta carbonara.

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Spaghetti Carbonara with Leeks and Pancetta

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Jan Gautro

Spaghetti Carbonara with Leeks and Pancetta Recipe

A small amount of the pasta's cooking water is whisked into the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from overcooking when added to the hot pasta. This procedure, called tempering, results in a rich, creamy sauce that easily coats the noodles.

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Spring Vegetable Carbonara

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Spring Vegetable Carbonara Recipe

Cavatappi, spiral-shaped pasta, adds an element of whimsy to this budget-friendly dish. If you can't find it, substitute fusilli.

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Linguine Carbonara

Credit: Randy Mayor; Styling: Cindy Barr

Linguine Carbonara Recipe

The luxurious, velvety texture of a good pasta carbonara is ephemeral at best, so you must enjoy it right away. Tempering the egg with hot pasta water keeps the sauce creamy by preventing it from curdling. For a smoky taste, use bacon in place of pancetta.

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Pasta Carbonara Florentine

Credit: Becky Luigart-Stayner; Styling: Cindy Barr

Pasta Carbonara Florentine Recipe

Whisked eggs and Parmesan cheese are stirred into a skillet of just-cooked pasta to form a rich, creamy sauce that coats the noodles. The spinach isn't traditional but adds color and a subtly earthy flavor twist.

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Farfalle Carbonara

Credit: Randy Mayor

Farfalle Carbonara Recipe

This carbonara pasta dish features farfalle pasta, otherwise known as "bow-tie" pasta, along with bacon, and has a deliciously creamy and savory flavor.

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