10 of Our Favorite Carbonara Recipes

Updated: Feb. 16, 2021

Looking for the best carbonara recipe? We've got you covered.

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Tortellini Carbonara

I’ve made this bacon, cream and Parmesan cheese pasta sauce for so many years and have always called it a carbonara sauce. Low-and-behold, I recently found out it’s actually more like Alfredo. In either case, it’s absolutely heavenly and a great option for company! —Cathy Croyle, Davidsville, Pennsylvania

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Authentic Pasta Carbonara

I learned on my culinary internship in Tuscany that real Italian cuisine is simpler than you think! This carbonara is quick, simple and delicious, just the way they like it in Italy. —Lauren Brien-Wooster, South Lake Tahoe, California
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Loaded Chicken Carbonara Cups

Spaghetti cupcakes with a chicken carbonara twist make for a tasty, fun family dinner. Whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat ingredients make these quick and easy little pasta cakes nutritional winners, too. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
4 / 10

Mushroom Pasta Carbonara

I absolutely love this creamy and cheesy mushroom carbonara. I serve it with a side salad and rolls to make a complete meal. —Cindi Bauer, Marshfield, Wisconsin
5 / 10

Quick Carbonara

Carbonara is a dinnertime classic, but my version cuts down on the time it takes to make. Loaded with ham, bacon, olives, garlic and Parmesan, it certainly doesn’t skimp on flavor. —Carole Martin, Tallahassee, Florida
6 / 10

Light Linguine Carbonara

When we have to rush off at night, I make this speedy pasta with veggies and bacon. Serve with breadsticks or garlic toast, and dinner’s done. —Mary Jo Miller, Mansfield, Ohio
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Pepperoni Penne Carbonara

Sun-dried tomatoes and turkey pepperoni lend fantastic flavor to this creamy, hearty pasta dish. It's a great change of pace from everyday spaghetti. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
8 / 10

Fettuccine Carbonara

When a man at church found out how much my family likes fettuccine, he shared his Italian grandmother’s carbonara recipe with us. I’ve made it my own over the last 25 years. Grated Parmesan cheese works just as well as Romano. —Kristine Chayes, Smithtown, New York
9 / 10

Peas & Pasta Carbonara

Using cream cheese to fortify the sauce speeds up cooking time and will have you eating my take on this old-time classic carbonara recipe in about 30 minutes. —Celeste Brantolino, Lenoir, North Carolina
10 / 10

Summer Carbonara

Basil and bacon make best summer buds in this smoky-sweet pasta. I pair it with a simple spring mix salad with balsamic dressing and a glass of good Chardonnay or cold iced tea. —Cathy Dudderar, Lexington, Kentucky