Asparagus carbonara
Take your pasta dishes to a new level with our mouthwatering asparagus carbonara, uniting vibrant asparagus spears with an indulgent, creamy sauce. Revel in the combination of tender spaghetti, green asparagus, and fresh lemon for an uplifting pasta dish. A final garnish of tangy Parmesan and bold black pepper cuts through the rich, velvety sauce, resulting in an asparagus carbonara that is quick to make and a delight to enjoy.
Ingredients
|
250 g
Spaghetti or another type of pasta
|
|
|---|---|
|
300 g
Green asparagus
|
|
|
1
Small onion
|
|
|
200 ml
Cooking cream
|
|
|
2
Eggs
|
|
|
100 g
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
|
|
|
20 g
Butter
|
|
|
30 g
Baby spinach
|
|
|
½
Organic lemon, zest, finely grated
|
|
|
1 handful
Fresh basil
|
|
|
Freshly ground black pepper
|
|
|
Flaked salt, to taste
|
Instructions
Recipe tips
It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes
To prepare the asparagus, rinse them thoroughly under cold water and remove the woody ends, as these fibrous parts remain tough and unpleasant even after cooking. You can either chop off the final 3 centimetres of the stem or bend the spear until the end snaps off.
Cut the asparagus into evenly sized pieces to help them cook evenly and blend better with the creamy sauce and tender spaghetti. If you have particularly chunky asparagus spears, you may want to slice them in half to make them thinner. This will encourage quicker cooking, a better aesthetic, and a more even texture throughout the dish.
A traditional carbonara sauce uses eggs to create a lusciously rich flavour and texture, but there is a risk of the eggs scrambling. To avoid this, whisk a small amount of hot pasta water into the eggs before adding the mixture to the pan. This will reduce the risk of scrambling and help keep the eggs silky smooth, so the mixture can evenly coat every strand of spaghetti.
FAQ: Questions about asparagus carbonara
Are you ready to raise your pasta game and cook a batch of creamy asparagus carbonara? This recipe is a breeze to make, and once you have gained confidence, it will quickly become a trusty dish you turn to again and again. Our FAQs will teach you the secrets of silky carbonara sauce, how to cook the perfect spaghetti, and how to store leftovers.
What type of pasta is best for asparagus carbonara?
Spaghetti or tagliatelle are the best types of pasta for an asparagus carbonara. These offer long, string-like lengths ideal for the velvety sauce to cling to and coat evenly. Spaghetti is typically thinner than tagliatelle, but both work perfectly with the chopped asparagus, spinach, basil, and creamy egg-based sauce.
Why did my carbonara sauce turn grainy?
A carbonara sauce may turn grainy if the eggs become scrambled instead of smoothly cooked through the pasta. This can also happen if the cheese does not fully melt, but forms a rougher texture within the egg mixture instead. To help avoid a grainy carbonara sauce, add a little pasta water to the egg and cheese mixture before stirring it into the spaghetti. This should help prevent the eggs from scrambling and forming an unpleasant, grainy texture.
How should I store and reheat asparagus carbonara?
Cool any leftover asparagus carbonara to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It can remain fresh for 2-3 days, but it is best to eat the leftovers sooner rather than later for optimal taste and texture. Reheat the carbonara on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened. Add lemon zest and a fresh basil garnish just before serving.
Can I freeze asparagus carbonara?
No, we do not recommend freezing asparagus carbonara. It will likely turn grainy, and the cream in the sauce will separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture. Therefore, it is best to keep leftovers in the fridge and enjoy them within a few days.
Nutritional values per serving
Energy:
426 Kcal
| Energy distribution % | Nutritional values per serving | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre | - | 5.4 g |
| Protein | 21.2 % | 22.2 g |
| Fat | 31.4 % | 15.1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47.4 % | 49.7 g |
You may also like
Try our easy asparagus carbonara
Our easy asparagus carbonara is a simple way to bring fresh seasonal ingredients and comforting flavours together in one pan. The combination of tender spaghetti, creamy sauce, and green asparagus makes it feel both elegant and effortlessly satisfying, whether you are cooking for a weekday dinner or a relaxed meal with family and friends.
Incredibly rich and creamy carbonara sauce
The sauce in a carbonara is the star of the show, and our recipe features cream, egg, and Parmesan to create a deeply rich coating for every strand of spaghetti. When combined with the warmth of the spaghetti and a splash of pasta water, the sauce transforms into a smooth, glossy coating that feels indulgent yet balanced. The Parmesan adds a savoury depth, while the freshly ground black pepper introduces a gentle heat that lifts the overall flavour.
With tender asparagus, earthy spinach, and fragrant basil
Fresh vegetables and herbs bring brightness and balance to the creamy base. Green asparagus provides a crisp yet tender bite that pairs beautifully with the spaghetti, while baby spinach melts softly into the warm sauce, adding an earthy note. A finishing touch of fresh basil adds a fragrant aroma that complements the subtle citrus lift from the lemon zest. Together, these ingredients create a colourful and flavourful dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
Enjoy with fresh sides
Asparagus carbonara is perfect for any event, thanks to its elegant aesthetic and delicious flavour. It is wonderful on its own or can be enjoyed with any number of sides. For example, serve it with a lightly dressed salad for a refreshing touch or a cheesy garlic bread for extra cheesy indulgence. You can also enjoy even more asparagus by pairing your carbonara with crispy white asparagus made in the air fryer or a refreshing green asparagus salad with radishes and lemon vinaigrette.
Take the recipe in a new direction
This recipe is wonderful as it is, but do not be afraid to add a personal touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of cayenne introduces a touch of heat, while diced crispy pancetta or bacon adds a moreish, smoky flavour. To keep the recipe vegetarian, nothing beats sautéed garlic mushrooms for an earthy edge and change of texture.
Grilled courgette can be used in place of the spinach, echoing the subtle sweetness of the asparagus. You can also use different types of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguini, to change the texture and appearance. However you decide to personalise this asparagus carbonara, you will be left with a dish that is comforting, easy to make, and a pleasure to eat.
If you want to implement more asparagus into your cooking, you can find plenty of inspiration among our green asparagus recipes and white asparagus recipes. You can also read everything you need to know about asparagus in our article on the topic.
