Mary Berry Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Mary Berry's Pasta Carbonara is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish, showcasing the versatility and culinary expertise of the renowned British cook. Known for her role in the "Great British Bake Off," Mary Berry extends her repertoire beyond baking to offer a quick, satisfying meal perfect for a family dinner. This recipe highlights her approach to making a more special pasta dish by incorporating chestnut mushrooms and streaky bacon, embodying comfort food at its finest​​​​.

Mary Berry's Pasta Carbonara Recipe

Ingredients for the Pasta Carbonara

• 350g of dried spaghetti or linguine
• 150g of unsmoked streaky bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 150g of chestnut mushrooms, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves, crushed and chopped
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 85g of Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons of double cream
• 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

Preparation Instructions

1. Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pan of salted, boiling water until just tender.
2. In a separate pan, fry the bacon until crisp, then add the mushrooms and garlic until golden.
3. Combine the eggs and most of the Parmesan cheese in a bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper.
4. After draining the pasta, mix it into the pan with the bacon and mushrooms off the heat, then incorporate the egg and cheese mixture along with the double cream and some reserved pasta cooking water.
5. Serve garnished with parsley and the remaining Parmesan.

Storage and Reheating

Pasta Carbonara is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a little water or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Nutritional Information

This dish is rich in protein from the eggs and bacon and provides a good source of carbohydrates from the pasta. However, it's also high in fats, especially saturated fats from the cream and cheese. For those monitoring their intake, portion control is advised.

FAQ about the Pasta Carbonara

• Can I use bacon substitutes? Yes, pancetta or even turkey bacon can be used as a lighter alternative.
• Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free? While traditional carbonara does not include cream, you can omit the double cream for a more authentic, albeit less creamy, version.
• How can I prevent the eggs from scrambling? Make sure to remove the pan from the heat when adding the eggs and cheese mixture to avoid scrambling.

This Pasta Carbonara recipe, with its creamy sauce, savory bacon, and earthy mushrooms, is a testament to Mary Berry's ability to adapt classic dishes for the modern home cook. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting meal, this dish is sure to please.

Original recipe by Mary Berry, as featured in her book and shared on various platforms, illustrating her contribution to making classic dishes accessible to home cooks everywhere​​​​.