Description
A creamy and delicious Vegetarian Carbonara made with a twist on the classic recipe using eggs, Parmesan cheese, and sautéed vegetables to create a rich and comforting pasta dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want a satisfying meal without meat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced (optional)
Sauce & Seasoning
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or a vegetarian hard cheese)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti or pasta until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. If using, incorporate the frozen peas and sliced mushrooms, cooking until tender.
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until well combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Remove the skillet from heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. Quickly pour in the egg and cheese mixture, stirring vigorously to coat the pasta and create a creamy sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and achieve desired creaminess.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Be sure to remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
- The smoked paprika is optional but adds a lovely smoky depth to the dish.
- Frozen peas and mushrooms add texture and flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese for optimal taste and melting.
- If the sauce is too thick, adding reserved pasta water gradually helps create a silky consistency.
