Filipino-Style Carbonara
This Filipino-style carbonara is a rich, creamy, and comforting twist on the Italian classic—made with all-purpose cream, evaporated milk, and crispy bacon. It’s the perfect pasta dish for Noche Buena, birthdays, or weeknight family dinners.
Ingredients
- 500 g spaghetti or any long pasta
- 250 g bacon chopped
- 1 cup ham diced (optional)
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ cups evaporated milk
- 1 cup all-purpose cream
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup optional for extra richness
- ½ cup grated cheese Parmesan or quick-melt
- ½ tsp sugar optional for balance
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Fry the Bacon
- Place chopped bacon in a cold pan.
- Turn heat to medium and cook until crispy (about 6–8 minutes).
- Remove bacon and set aside. Leave 2–3 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics & Mushrooms
- In the same pan, sauté onions for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until browned.
- Add ham (if using) and sauté for 1–2 more minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat.
- Pour in evaporated milk, all-purpose cream, and cream of mushroom soup (if using).
- Stir until smooth and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning
- Stir in grated cheese until melted and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If sauce is too thick, gradually add pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Combine & Serve
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Let it heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Serve hot, topped with crispy bacon and chopped parsley.
Notes
To Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat: Gently warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the pasta.