Name: Mushroom Carbonara
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 cup pancetta, diced; 2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced; 2 large eggs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

This Mushroom Carbonara is a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, packed with earthy mushrooms, crispy pancetta, and a rich egg-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, flavorful, and comforting. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a delicious vegetarian alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Recipe Tips and Tricks:

Use fresh mushrooms: Cremini or button mushrooms work best, but you can experiment with shiitake or portobello for added depth.
Don’t overcook the eggs: The residual heat from the pasta should gently cook the eggs for a silky sauce. Avoid direct heat to prevent scrambling.
Save pasta water: It helps adjust the sauce consistency, adding a touch of starchy creaminess.
Crisp pancetta: If using pancetta or bacon, crisp it up before adding to the sauce for that lovely texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

This Mushroom Carbonara is an ultimate comfort food that brings together the creamy richness of the egg-based sauce with the savory flavor of mushrooms and pancetta. It’s incredibly easy to make and feels like a luxurious dinner. Ideal for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend treat, it provides hearty satisfaction without requiring complicated techniques. The earthy mushrooms complement the smoky pancetta and creamy sauce for a perfect balance of flavors. Even without meat-heavy carbonara, this dish is a delicious vegetarian alternative. You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into something special!

Yield: Serves 4

Mushroom Carbonara

A creamy, savory Mushroom Carbonara featuring mushrooms, pancetta, and a rich egg-based sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup pancetta, diced
2 cups cremini mushrooms, sliced
2 large eggs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra richness)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Prepare the Pancetta and Mushrooms: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy, about 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté the mushrooms for 5 minutes until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, Parmesan, and heavy cream (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the mushrooms. Toss to combine and add the pancetta. Remove from heat and immediately pour the egg mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to create a creamy sauce. Add pasta water if needed to adjust the consistency.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Enjoy your Mushroom Carbonara!

Notes

If you're using gluten-free pasta, this recipe works just as well. Just be sure to cook it properly to maintain the texture of the dish.
For extra creaminess, feel free to increase the heavy cream or use full-fat coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 629Total Fat 47gSaturated Fat 20gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 175mgSodium 587mgCarbohydrates 32gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 20g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes:

Pasta: Traditional spaghetti works wonderfully, but feel free to use other types like fettuccine, linguine, or bucatini for variety.
Mushrooms: Choose mushrooms that will absorb the sauce and add texture—cremini mushrooms offer an earthy flavor, while button mushrooms provide a more subtle taste.
Eggs: For the creamiest texture, use large eggs and room-temperature ingredients. Fresh eggs make a difference in flavor.
Pancetta or Bacon: While pancetta is the traditional choice, crispy bacon will add an additional smoky flavor to the dish.

Variations and Substitutions:

Vegetarian: Skip the pancetta and opt for sautéed garlic, onion, or even tempeh for added texture.
Dairy-Free: Swap the egg-based sauce with a cashew cream mixture or use almond milk and nutritional yeast for a non-dairy version.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mushroom mixture for a hint of heat.
Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or basil can be added to give a burst of freshness to the dish.

Storage Options:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of pasta water or a little extra olive oil to restore creaminess. It’s best enjoyed fresh as the sauce can thicken once refrigerated.