READY IN 40 mins

Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara

Read Reviews (9)

"This rich pasta toss is great for everyday dinners or special occasions. I can come home from work and throw this dish together in a half hour." — big daddy cooks

Directions

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 13 minutes. Drain.
Meanwhile, place bacon in a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving drippings in pan; set bacon aside.
Cook and stir garlic in the remaining bacon grease over medium heat. Add milk, cream cheese, and butter to skillet; stir until smooth. Stir Parmesan cheese, peas, ham, and bacon into cream cheese mixture; cook until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes more. Mix pasta into sauce to serve.

Kitchen-Friendly View

PREP 15 mins
COOK 25 mins
READY IN 40 mins

Reviews More Reviews

Most Helpful Positive Review

Nov 19, 2012

This was a last minute dinner attempt after my original dinner tanked. VERY simple which I appreciated. I did not have ham or peas, what I did was throw in a good amount steamed broccoli. I also added a good amount fresh ground pepper. I sprinkled fresh parmesan over each portion before serving. The boys and I inhaled this. VERY good.

—Sarah Jo

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Most Helpful Critical Review

Apr 22, 2013

This would have been much better if I had drained the bacon grease. I should have gone with my gut and done that. Then I would have just softened the garlic in the butter. This is an easy way to make a last minute dinner, and it is kid friendly.

—bizeemommie

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10 Ratings

Sep 02, 2012

Made this the other night...can't stop thinking about it. Ten stars. Followed exactly. This stuff is no joke. Will probably have to make it again in a couple days:)

—Jayelle

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Sep 05, 2012

Delicious but it does take a long time. I also added pepper to taste

—emma3308

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Aug 17, 2012

Very yummy! Slightly time consuming but well worth the extra effort! I added shredded grilled chicken to mine as well which was a nice added touch.

—Bradym0823

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Oct 05, 2012

I found this recipe with not much in the house to cook and craving pasta. I did not find it time-consuming to cook as others have commented. I had to substitute the Parmesan cheese for shredded "pizza" 5 cheese blend and bacon for ham. It came out super tasty. I'd say a mix b/c spaghetti carbonara and alfredo sauce. Will definitely make again.

—noell76

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Mar 17, 2013

Not bad, and it doesn't take a long time if you use already cooked and crumbled bacon, which is what I did. I don't think I could handle the bacon grease it calls for personally, but that's me. I fully expected this recipe to have eggs; since it doesn't, I suppose it's more of an Alfredo sauce, but it's not bad. Hubs and I had for a quick lunch. I added red peppers in place of peas since we didn't have any and used tri color rotini and penne since that is what we have. Thanks for the recipe.

—pomplemousse

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Nov 20, 2012

Eliminated the ham, used more bacon and put some red pepper flakes in for ooomph, delicious!

—Jefi

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Nutrition

Calories
778 kcal
39%

Carbohydrates
46.7 g
15%

Cholesterol
156 mg
52%

Fat
55.5 g
85%

Fiber
2.3 g
9%

Protein
25.3 g
51%

Sodium
975 mg
39%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Nutritional Information

Quick and Creamy Pasta Carbonara

Serving Size: 1/4 of a recipe
Servings Per Recipe: 4
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 778
Calories from Fat: 499

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 55.5g 85 %
Saturated Fat 32.3g 162 %
Cholesterol 156mg 52 %
Sodium 975mg 39 %
Potassium 424mg 12 %
Total Carbohydrates 46.7g 15 %
Dietary Fiber 2.3g 9 %
Protein 25.3g 51 %
** Sugars 6g
Vitamin A 37 %
Vitamin C 9 %
Calcium 36 %
Iron 28 %
** Thiamin 22 %
Niacin 65 %
Vitamin B6 16 %
Magnesium 18 %
Folate 70 %

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.