Description
A quick and creamy vegetarian take on the classic Italian carbonara, using eggs and Parmesan cheese to create a luscious sauce without any meat. This recipe includes optional vegetables like peas and mushrooms for added flavor and texture, making it a satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 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
- 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)
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. If using peas and mushrooms, add them now and cook until tender and heated through.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Remove the skillet from the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Immediately pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly and continuously to coat the pasta evenly and form a creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your creamy vegetarian carbonara.
Notes
- For best results, remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan or a vegetarian substitute for the best flavor.
- The smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky depth to the dish.
- You can substitute spaghetti with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Reserve pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly.
