Italian•dinner•intermediate

Spinach-Infused Pasta Carbonara

Name: Spinach-Infused Pasta Carbonara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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

A comforting twist on the classic Pasta Carbonara with the addition of nutritious spinach.

A bowl of pasta carbonara with vibrant spinach and crispy pancetta.

Prep Time

15 min

Cook Time

20 min

Total Time

35 min

Servings

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:

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

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Spinach-Infused Pasta Carbonara:

1
Begin by boiling water in a large pot with a pinch of salt. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2
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.
3
Add the minced garlic to the pancetta and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4
Turn off the heat and add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted, then set aside.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
6
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.
7
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.
8
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and serve immediately with extra grated Parmesan on top if desired.

Chef's Tip

For an added touch of freshness, garnish with chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Fun Fact

Spinach is an excellent source of iron and was famously the secret to Popeye's superhuman strength!

Did you like this recipe?

Show some love and help others discover this amazing dish!

Remix This Recipe

Want to make this recipe your own? Try one of these suggestions or create your own twist!

Reviews

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Ready to create your own magical recipe?

Generate unique recipes tailored to your taste preferences, dietary needs, and what's already in your kitchen.

Create Your Recipe

fandango

I'm a web developer with a passion for cooking, especially when it comes to pasta. Spaghetti to ravioli, I love it all. I'm also fascinated by the rich tastes of Peruvian cuisine. Follow along as I combine tech and cooking, creating easy-to-follow digital recipes that highlight the pleasure of delicious food.

View profile