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“We tried this breakfast pasta with our leftover ham and it was incredible! We have a new post holiday tradition in our house, thanks Sue!!” ~George
pasta for breakfast ~ who knew?
Roman pasta carbonara is a mid-century invention that has since taken on cult status. This extraordinarily comforting pasta is made with eggs, cheese, cured pork and pepper but morphs into something far more delicious than you’d imagine from its humble ingredients. It’s one of those basic recipes that everybody needs to know.
But pasta for breakfast? Why not, it’s the most important meal of the day. And I’ve always been a real food for breakfast kind of girl. Forget boxed cereal and smoothies, I’d rather have leftover pizza. Or a big bowl of pasta.
the essentials for breakfast pasta carbonara
- pasta ~ in this case I recommend spaghetti. The way the silky sauce clings to all those strands is a thing of beauty. Angel hair will be too mushy, and fettuccine too thick. Spaghetti is perfect.
- bacon ~ traditionally Italians use guanciale (cured pork jowl) or pancetta (cured pork belly.) Thick cut bacon is a readily available substitute. You could also use ham.
- eggs ~ room temperature eggs make the silkiest sauce. True carbonara will use a combination of egg and additional egg yolks, but for breakfast carbonara we’re going with whole eggs.
- cheese ~ an aged Italian cheese like parm, pecorino romano, grana padano, whatever you’ve got in the fridge.
- parsley ~ fresh parsley really brightens the dish.
- lots of fresh cracked pepper
- garlic ~ not traditional but you can add it if you like.
breakfast pasta carbonara method
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. In this case you want the water to be starchy, so you don’t need gallons of water to start with.
- Meanwhile cook bacon in a skillet until crisp. Add some crushed garlic toward the end, if you’re using it.
- Beat eggs in a bowl and add the cheese and pepper.
- Add hot pasta to the skillet and toss rapidly while slowly adding the egg mixture, using a little reserved pasta water as necessary to create a silky sauce.
In traditional carbonara the aim is to cook the eggs into a creamy sauce, but for breakfast you can afford to let then ‘scramble’ a bit, no shame there.
you also ask…
- are the eggs in this breakfast pasta raw?
The eggs in this dish get ‘cooked’ from the heat of the water, the pasta, and the pan, even when it is off the direct heat. If you’re unsure you can put the pan back on the heat while you toss. This may slightly scramble the eggs, but the dish will still be delicious. You can also use pasteurized eggs for peace of mind. Note: don’t confuse pasteurized eggs for pasture raised eggs! Pasteurized eggs have simply been heat treated to destroy harmful bacteria, but otherwise function like normal raw eggs. Look for them next to the regular eggs in your supermarket.
- what’s the best cheese for carbonara?
Pecorino Romano, an Italian sheep’s milk cheese, is traditional, but other aged Italian cheeses are fine. I like to grate the cheese (not shred) so it will melt in quickly.
- does carbonara have cream in it?
It’s hard to believe that such a creamy pasta contains no cream. The ‘creaminess’ comes from the eggs and starchy pasta water that emulsify into a glossy sauce as they are tossed briskly with the hot pasta. No need for cream.
I adore my Lodge cast iron skillet and it’s the perfect tool for making breakfast pasta. The thick cast iron hold the heat well while you create that special sauce. You can serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation.
Looking for more hearty breakfast ideas?
- Corned Beef Hash
- Baked Eggs Florentine
- Eggs Benedict Quiche with Hollandaise Sauce
- Ottolenghi’s Red Pepper and Baked Egg Galettes
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Breakfast Pasta
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb thin spaghetti
- 8 slices thick cut smoked bacon
- olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
- 4 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, or more to taste
- extra large handful chopped parsley
- salt and coarse ground fresh pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in well salted water until just al dente.
- Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet until it's crisp. Chop or crumble the bacon and add garlic if you are using. Sauté briefly. Add a little olive oil if the bacon didn't render much fat.
- In a small bowl, mix the cheese into the beaten eggs, and grind some black pepper in as well.
- When the pasta is ready, drain and reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
- Add the hot pasta to the skillet and toss, along with the egg and cheese mixture, and parsley. Continue tossing, off the heat, adding a little of the reserved pasta water, until the eggs are cooked and the sauce is silky and thick. Add more pepper to taste. Note: you can put the pan back over medium heat while you toss if you feel you need to cook the eggs a litte more. Just be sure to keep tossing constantly.
- Serve with extra parsley and cheese as garnish.
Nutrition
I have breakfast/lunch/dinner for the week. And guess what? Have all the ingredients. Happy New Year 2013! May it bring all good things.
Now, THAT’S my idea of a good plate of pasta! And for breakfast? Even better! Breakfast of champions, I say! And I am a bit jealous that you can go out and pick fresh herbs at this time of year! Mine are finally covered with snow!Happy New Year, Sue! I look forward to seeing all the delish posts you’ll be putting up in 2013!
This is such an interesting idea. I would never think of pasta for breakfast, but this looks amazing. It will be added to my list of ‘must tries’.
Sue, I just love how you always have something unique and delicious at the same time. This sounds wonderful and such a departure from the everyday! Love, love, love it1
I’m a big proponent of the hearty breakfast…this is just the logical next step!
Love this! Nice presentation in the cast-iron skillet.
I was up early comforting the cats who were terrified by a short bout of thunder. When I opened the post I found myself envious of the warn hearty breakfast (as opposed to my almond butter toast). New Year’s rez will definitely be, “Think and cook like Sue!”
🙂 That thunder was a surprise. They make this at Hugos, I think it was one of the first places we went and the first thing we ordered when me moved here, and it’s still one of my favorites.
I was sick this week and one evening not feeling like cooking, something very similar came to mind. Unfortunately, it was still to much work for a sickie, but soon! I love pasta for breakfast, usually left over like pizza or indian food.
This is a pasta I love..Never thought of it for breakfast..I eat lightly..yogurt..flax..chia:)But for dinner? Perfect!
Ok, now you’re shaming me…your breakfast sounds awesome.
Thanks Lea Ann, I am a late comer to cast-iron, and I’m using it all the time lately.
How could I knock this?? it’s perfection! If there’s enough of it, it could be breakfast, lunch and dinner as far as I’m concerned!
Mary x
It went pretty quick in our house, but I like it for breakfast. Just as filling as oatmeal, but a lot more interesting!
Drooling…..again. My husband and I have decided we are opening an Inn, and you are officially hired! Ok????
Yes!!!!! My dream job.
Ok, when we hit the lottery, we will start searching the real estate listings…my dream job as well! With a big barn full of antiques to sell….