This simple orecchiette pasta carbonara is the ideal recipe to cook for yourself, family and friends on a budget. While carbonara comes in many forms, and divides opinion like no other recipe (cream or no cream?!) we have given it a few unique twists while keeping it fairly classical.
This is the latest in our series of recipes that feature just 7 ingredients and are all easy for cooks of any level to make.
You could use any shape of pasta, but the orecchiette has a wonderful way of holding a sauce and if cooked al dente is an absolute joy to eat. You’ll make this in less than 20 minutes, too. A taste sensation.
Orecchiette Pasta Carbonara: Ingredients
- Pancetta (bacon would also work if not pancetta is available)
- Basil
- Eggs
- Dred chili flakes
- Garlic
- Orecchiette Pasta (or your favourite shape)
Parmesan
Put the pasta on to boil before you start the prep. Dice up the pancetta, making sure to leave the fat on there, as that is where all the flavour comes from.
Heat some olive oil in a large frying pan before adding the garlic, pancetta and chill flakes. Cook this gently and slowly, as this is where all the juicy flavour from the dish will come from.
Whisk up the eggs before adding the parmesan cheese straight into them.
Cook the pancetta mix until it just starts to turn ever so slightly crispy.
Strain the pasta and keep a tiny bit of the cooking water before adding to the pancetta mix. The water is crucial in adding a lovely texture and consistency to the sauce.
Toss everything together and season with salt and pepper. The cracked black pepper is especially important, as it works perfectly with the dish. Give it a couple of extra twists of the pepper mill!
Pour in the eggs and parmesan mix. You can turn the heat off at this stage and just stir it around for about 30-45 seconds. You’ll see the pasta starting to come together perfectly.
Sprinkle the fresh chopped basil leaves over the top of the pasta and dust with a little extra parmesan.
Not only is the dish super simple, but it only has 7 ingredients and is an affordable way to feed family and friends.
The fact it tastes delicious is also a huge bonus.
If you like this recipe we have lots of similar ones on our Big 7 Food Instagram account.
