Creamy Filipino Carbonara

Ingredients

The best thing about this creamy carbonara mushroom is it only needs a few simple ingredients that you typically always have in the fridge and pantry.

• Pasta/Spaghetti Noodles - This is the base of the dish that provides a filling and satisfying meal. You can use regular pasta or thin pasta although other pasta shapes can be substituted to suit personal preferences.
• Garlic and onions - These aromatics form the base of the dish, adding depth of flavor.
• Mushrooms - Adds earthy and umami flavor to the dish. You can use fresh or canned sliced mushrooms in your favorite variety. I love to add cremini mushrooms because it is widely available in my place.
• All-purpose cream/Heavy whipping cream - These have similar taste and texture -creamy and rich. All-purpose cream is shelf stable and will last a long time at room temperature but heavy whipping cream should be refrigerated and will last a few weeks inside the fridge.
• Parmesan cheese - Adds more cheese flavors that everyone likes in their carbonara.
• Salt and pepper - To taste

Instructions

Pasta

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Simply boil water in a saucepan with a sprinkle of salt. Toss the spaghetti and cook them until al dente. Drain some of the water but make sure to save about ½ cup for the sauce.

Sauce

• While the pasta is cooking, we will make our sauce. Slice the bacon into bite sizes and fry in a skillet, no need to add oil. Fry them until golden fry, crispy, and most of the fat is rendered.
• Remove the bacon grease except for 2 tablespoons to cook.

In the same skillet with the grease, saute onion and garlic until translucent.

Add the mushrooms and cook them until slightly tender.

Slowly pour the all-purpose cream or heavy whipping cream and ¼ cup of pasta water into the pan. Stir and simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium heat.

Add the cooked spaghetti and half of the parmesan cheese. Stir well until pasta is coated with the sauce. Add more pasta water if the pasta is too dry.

Taste and adjust the seasonings with salt and pepper according to your taste.

Helpful Tips

• Don't worry if you forgot to save some of the water from pasta. You can just add water. Add it gradually to make sure your carbonara is not too runny.
• Be sure to salt the water in cooking the pasta. The salt will be the first seasoning while cooking the pasta and your noodles will taste better when you boil it with some salt.
• Do not overcook the noodles. Just cook them until al dente so they will not be overcooked.

Why you will love this recipe

There are so many reasons why we love this dish so much. In fact, we make this dish once or twice a week when we are in the mood for carbonara.

• This carbonara recipe is one of the most delicious dishes we make at home a very busy weeknights. It takes 20 minutes to make and it is easy to prepare.
• Satisfying and filling dinner.
• It is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavors from sauteed mushrooms, rich white sauce, and cheese.
• If you love this recipe, check out my salted egg pasta and Jollibee spaghetti.

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating Tips

Make-ahead: Cook your sauce and pasta ahead of time and transfer them in separate containers. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce then add the pasta and cook until everything is heated thoroughly.

Refrigerator: To store your leftovers, cool them completely and transfer them to an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Reheating: Transfer the dish to a skillet over medium heat on the stovetop. Reheat thoroughly and serve.

What to serve with this

Filipino Cucumber Salad

Pandesal

Baked Buffalo Chicken Wings

Air fryer Roasted Asparagus

Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters

Shakshuka with Mushrooms

15-minute Baked Salmon