Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy carbonara has the perfect balance of flavors. The rich, creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with the savory protein and tender pasta. It’s quick and easy to make, making it a go-to for busy weeknights or a comforting lunch. The whole family will love this dish!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup halal-friendly protein (such as grilled chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein), diced
- 3 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup water
- Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Method
1. Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the onion and parsley.
- Dice the halal-friendly protein into small pieces.
- Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. Cook the Protein and Onion
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced protein and chopped onion.
- Sauté for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the protein is cooked through and the onion is golden brown.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
4. Combine with Spaghetti
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet.
- Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people and takes approximately:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Carbonara: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for a veggie-packed version.
- Spicy Carbonara: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Lighten it Up: Use half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream to reduce the richness, or try a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a little bit of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream alternatives (like coconut cream or oat cream) and skip the Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce isn’t thick enough, you can simmer it for a few more minutes or add a little more flour and water mixture.
4. Can I freeze leftover carbonara?
While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. When reheating, the sauce may separate, so be sure to stir in a bit of extra cream or milk.
5. Can I use frozen pasta?
Fresh or frozen pasta both work well for this recipe, but if using frozen pasta, ensure it’s properly thawed and heated before combining it with the sauce.
6. How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the flour used is also gluten-free.
7. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as spinach, peas, or broccoli for added texture and flavor.
8. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While Parmesan is traditional, you can use Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a slightly different flavor.
9. How can I make this carbonara spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the sauce for an added spicy kick.
Conclusion
This creamy carbonara is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The rich, creamy sauce paired with savory protein and a hint of garlic will have everyone coming back for more. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and tasty enough to impress guests at a dinner party! Enjoy the comfort and satisfaction of this classic dish with a twist!

Creamy Carbonara Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Carbonara recipe features a velvety, rich sauce, savory protein, and perfectly cooked spaghetti. With a balance of flavors and textures, it’s the ultimate comfort food, quick to make, and perfect for family dinners or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 cup halal-friendly protein (chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein), diced
3 cups heavy cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
¼ cup water
Handful of fresh parsley, chopped
8 oz spaghetti
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
-
Chop the onion and parsley.
-
Dice the halal-friendly protein into small pieces.
-
Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Protein and Onion:
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
-
Add the diced protein and chopped onion.
-
Sauté for about 7 minutes until the protein is cooked and the onion is golden brown.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
-
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together flour and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the skillet, stirring to prevent lumps.
-
Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
-
Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened.
4. Combine with Spaghetti:
-
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve:
-
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
-
Serve with a generous topping of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Vegetarian Carbonara: Skip the meat and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or roasted peppers for a veggie version.
Spicy Carbonara: Add red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Lighten it Up: Use half-and-half or a milk-cream mix to reduce the richness, or try a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version.