Vegetarian carbonara

Vegetarian carbonara

20 min
Our vegetarian carbonara combines classic carbonara flavours with a fresh twist. Creamy egg yolks and tangy white cheese blend seamlessly in this classic-inspired pasta dish, while bright parsley adds some freshness. It is perfect for a quick-fix dinner or a simple but tasty lunch on busy weekdays.
https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/vegetarian-carbonara/

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta until al dente. Chop parsley. Drain the cheese, but save the oil.
  • Mix freshly cooked pasta with parsley, cheese, and the accompanying oil to your liking.
  • Divide onto four plates and top with egg yolk and freshly ground black pepper.
Enjoy!

FAQ: Questions about vegetarian carbonara

Below, we go through some of the top questions about this dish.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
This dish is best served immediately. However, you can prepare the pasta and mix in the cheese and parsley beforehand, then reheat and add the egg yolks and pepper just before serving.
What if I do not have fresh parsley?
If fresh parsley is not available, you can use dried parsley instead, though keep in mind that the flavour will not be as vibrant. Use about one-third the amount of dried parsley as you would fresh. Alternatively, frozen parsley can be used. Thaw it first, drain any excess water, and use a slightly smaller amount than the recipe suggests, preventing the flavour from overpowering the dish.
How do I know if the pasta is al dente?
Al dente pasta is firm to the bite but not hard. Taste a piece of pasta a minute or two before the package's suggested cooking time. It should be tender but still have a bit of resistance in the centre.

Ingredients

Spaghetti (about 500 g)
4 portions
Fresh parsley
1 pot
1
Egg yolks
4
Black pepper

Tips: Perfect your vegetarian carbonara

Learn how to perfect the dish and how to store leftovers with our helpful tips.

Egg yolk perfection

Ensure your egg yolks are fresh and at room temperature. This helps them mix more smoothly into the hot pasta, creating a creamy sauce without scrambling.

Use cheese oil to taste

Gradually add the oil from the cheese to control the richness of your dish and enhance its flavour with the infused spices and herbs. If necessary, you can use extra virgin olive oil to achieve the desired consistency.

Storing and freezing

To keep your vegetarian carbonara fresh and tasty, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This preserves the dish well for up to two days. Avoid freezing, as it can ruin the creamy sauce and pasta texture. When reheating, warm the pasta slowly on the stove and add a little water or milk. Stir constantly to heat the sauce and keep it smooth evenly.

Enjoy our simple recipe for vegetarian carbonara

Our vegetarian carbonara recipe is both delicious and easy to make. It uses a few ingredients to create a beautifully simple dish. We have taken inspiration from the classic carbonara but have added a refreshing touch with white cheese and fresh parsley. This addition makes the dish visually appealing and tastefully vibrant. The combination of creamy textures and rich flavours makes it a perfect choice for anyone seeking an elegant, refreshing rendition of an old classic.

There are many variations of the classic carbonara you can experiment with in the kitchen. We recommend you try out a simple kale carbonara, a pasta carbonara with cream cheese, or carbonara with pancetta. They all take the essence of the classic pasta recipe and add an enticing twist.

Spaghetti with fresh parsley and white cheese

Tender spaghetti, cooked to perfection, serves as the base for this vegetarian carbonara. It pairs exquisitely with the vibrant colours and flavours of fresh parsley and creamy white cheese. Parsley adds a burst of brightness and herbaceous notes, which complement the richness of the egg yolk and the tangy nuances of the white cheese. To enhance the flavour, the white cheese is marinated in oil infused with herbs and spices. Our secret trick is to use this aromatic oil as a dressing for the pasta, making the dish even more delectable.

Serve an egg yolk on top for a smooth texture

Twirl a portion of spaghetti onto each plate, forming the ideal nest for an egg yolk. This elegant presentation not only delights but also engages your guests, inviting them to mix the yolk into the spaghetti themselves. As they do, the residual heat of the pasta gently cooks the yolk, transforming it into a silky-smooth sauce that coats the spaghetti beautifully. This ensures each bite is creamy and rich, perfectly complementing the tender spaghetti and crumbly white cheese for a formidable taste and texture experience.

A vegetarian twist on traditional carbonara

The Italian kitchen is known for its simplicity, taking just a few ingredients and turning them into the most wonderful dishes. This recipe reinvents the beloved classic by substituting select ingredients to cater to a vegetarian palette while preserving the straightforward cooking process that carbonara is famous for. With just five simple ingredients, you can whip up a sumptuous vegetarian carbonara that promises a quick, satisfying solution for any mealtime dilemma, be it lunch or dinner.

Make the dish your own

One of the many joys of this vegetarian carbonara is how easy it is to make your own. For instance, try sautéing mushrooms or wild spinach for extra depth. You can also roast red pepper, cherry tomatoes, or aubergine and add them to the other ingredients. They provide a bit of bite along with smoky notes and earthy sweetness.

You can replace parsley with a variety of fresh herbs. Basil imparts a hint of sweetness and a peppery kick, whereas chives provide a subtle, onion-like taste. Both herbs are excellent choices that blend well with the creamy sauce and the tangy white cheese.