Creamy, dreamy perfection
When it comes to comfort food, nothing beats carbonara. It just needs a few basics – but the creamy and rich cook up, with some marinated pork, is so delicious we’re drooling just thinking about it. We love both the traditional flavors and the fun twists of this classic Roman dish — which is why this roundup covers everything from black pepper pasta to egg-baked potatoes. We highly recommend that you follow all of these recipes to find your favorite, but if you’re looking for a typical dish, start with this one. We like to splurge every now and then and add a little butter to the cheesy egg sauce to round it out. However, we’ve left that option to you. Either way, we can’t think of what we’d rather eat.
Get the recipe: The Best Carbonara
Bagel Carbonara
You’ll ask for more when classic kosher deli flavors are incorporated into beloved pasta dishes.
Get the Recipe: Bagel Carbonara
Carbonara Stuffed Potatoes with Crispy Pancakes
Looking for a spin on the classic pasta carbonara? Why not pair it with twice baked potatoes for a plate of crispy, cheesy, eggy comfort?
Get the recipe: Carbonara Stuffed Potatoes with Crispy Pancakes
Spaghetti Squash Canara
No need to wait for the water to boil: Spaghetti squash (again) proves it can replace pasta. It’s the perfect pancake and egg clotted cream sauce. Microwaving squash is a neat trick to cut down on time.
Get the Recipe: Spaghetti Squash Carbonara
Spaghetti Alla Bacon Egg Noodles
With so many great carbonara options, where do you start? You can’t go wrong with this recipe. It has hundreds of 5-star reviews, and fans say it’s one they keep coming back to.
Get the recipe: Pasta alla Carbonara
Meatless Cabora
In this meatless classic Roman pasta, extra egg yolks and olive oil help make up for the lack of rich pork fat, while lightly fried dried tomatoes, garlic, miso and liquid smoke each add to the sauce A layer of umami. It may not taste exactly like the original, but it’s satisfying on its own.
Get the recipe: Meatless Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara Pie
Think this super rich and creamy dish couldn’t be better? Wait until you try it and bake it into sliceable pasta pie. It’s the best of both worlds: decadent sauce and crispy brown pasta.
Get the Recipe: Pasta Canara Pie
Penne a la Carbonara
Carbonara pasta with simple staples in the fridge and pantry. Best of all, this comforting dish is on the table in just 35 minutes!
Get the recipe: Penne a la Carbonara
Italian Frittata
Annie said, “This is one of my favorite pasta dishes – pasta carbonara – which is basically pasta with bacon and eggs. In this version, I’m playing with the ratio of pasta to eggs. In traditional dishes, the balance of pasta is heavier and the balance of eggs is lighter. I flipped it over and went to the other extreme: more eggs, just a little pasta. Put the entire shooting match in a nonstick skillet, slide the pan into the oven, and voila! Carbonara is definitely the food for breakfast! “
Get the recipe: Carbonara Frittata
Bucatini alla Carbonara
Michael proves that it doesn’t take much to make satisfying pasta. His secret recipe? Guan Ciale. Its saltiness is key, as it adds richness and depth—without the smoky flavor of other substitutes like bacon.
Get the recipe: Bucatini alla Carbonara
Kabbalah Bean
Create the side dish of your dreams using a few humble ingredients – eggs, bacon, parmesan and beans! It’s everything you love about traditional carbonara, but with protein-rich cannellini instead of pasta.
Get the recipe: Carbonara Beans
Stuffed Carbonara Baked Potatoes
Stuff the russet with bacon parmesan mash, then bake an egg on top. You won’t regret it!
Get the recipe: Stuffed Canara Baked Potatoes
Pea Pasta
The trick to this classic pasta dish is to gradually mix the pasta water and eggs so you don’t mess it up. Be sure to assemble all the ingredients before you start making the sauce because this recipe comes together in no time!
Get the Recipe: Pea Macaroni
Asparagus Fettuccine Carbonara
Shaved asparagus adds a bright pop to this quick and easy weeknight classic. Thin green ribbons blend effortlessly with the fettuccine for an added pop of color.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus Fettuccine Carbonara
Kabbalah Fried Rice
The rich flavor of carbonara is combined with the crunchy texture of fried rice. Need we say more?
Get the recipe: Carbonara Fried Rice
Crab Meat Roll
Chunks of crab are the secret to this pasta. Crab, celery, lemon, and sherry combine with rich, creamy egg yolks, fatty pancetta, and tangy cheese for bright flavors.
Get the recipe: Carbonara and Crab
Macaroni and Cheese Caramel
The best parts of Spaghetti Carbonara, a traditional Italian dish, are found in this baked macaroni and cheese: the richness of bacon, the creaminess of grated cheese and the spice of black pepper.
Get the Recipe: Macaroni and Cheese Carbonara