When craving the umami bomb, this Pasta Carbonara with Philadelphia Cream Cheese is your new go-to recipe. This modern take on the traditional Italian carbonara replaces the classic egg-and-cheese sauce with silky Philadelphia cream cheese for a luxuriously creamy texture, giving you the authentic taste with a safety net!
Today’s version of pasta carbonara with Philadelphia cream cheese introduces a clever trick for home cooks who want the same luscious creaminess without worrying about curdled eggs. Trust me, this recipe is enough for a weeknight dinner or to impress guests; this dish strikes the perfect balance between comfort and lavish.
Why Pasta Carbonara with Philadelphia cream cheese?
Traditionally, Spaghetti Carbonara is a Roman pasta dish made with just a few ingredients: eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale -Italian cured pork cheek, and black pepper. The creamy consistency not only comes from cream but also from the gentle emulsification of eggs, cheese, and pasta water.
- Philadelphia cream cheese adds the salty, savoury notes of bacon or pancetta.
- It melts beautifully, coating the pasta in a velvety sauce.
- Philadelphia cream cheese works wonderfully for beginners, as you don’t need to watch the heat closely.
- It works well with any pasta shape like spaghetti, fettuccine, penne, or even rigatoni.
How to make pasta carbonara with cream?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for two generous servings of Cream pasta carbonara
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g bacon, pancetta, or turkey bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Philadelphia cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or chives for garnish
Step-by-Step Recipe
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain the excess pasta water, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium flame, add the bacon, small pieces and cook until it becomes crispy and golden on the outside. You can remove excess fat, but leave a bit to enhance the flavour.
Now, lower the heat, add minced garlic, and sauté briefly until fragrant, but don’t let it burn. Next, stir in Philadelphia cream cheese, allowing it to melt slowly. Add a few splashes of pasta water to create a creamy, smooth sauce.
Toss the cooked pasta gently to coat the spaghetti evenly in the sauce. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Here, you can add a little more pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce. Stir until everything is silky and well combined.
Finally, finish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprinkle of parsley. Serve immediately, warm and creamy.
Variations to Try
- Sautéed mushrooms add an earthy, umami twist to creamy pasta carbonara.
- For extra protein, you can add grilled or shredded chicken.
- For a fresh, spring-inspired version, add spinach or green peas.
- Combine Philadelphia with ricotta or mascarpone for ultra-rich creaminess.
Recipe Tips for the Creamy Carbonara with Philadelphia cream cheese
- Always use room-temperature cream cheese as it melts faster and smoother.
- Al dente pasta absorbs the sauce best; don’t overcook the pasta
- Adding pasta water gradually helps to control the sauce consistency.
- Serve immediately because cream cheese sauces start to thicken as they cool.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Bacon Pasta warm for the best flavor and texture. Pair it with a fresh green salad or crispy garlic bread to make it a complete, satisfying meal. It’s also perfect for entertaining, rich, comforting, and sure to impress your guests.
What is Authentic Carbonara?
As per traditionally carbonara, you might say no, for this recipe, because authentic carbonara doesn’t include cream, cream cheese, or garlic. But carbonara is versatile, and adding Philadelphia cream cheese is a delightful, creamy reinvention for the modern kitchen. It offers the same comfort while being much easier to prepare.
Final Thoughts
Pasta Carbonara with Philadelphia Cream Cheese is proof that delicious food doesn’t need to be complicated. With a handful of pantry ingredients, you can whip up a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favourite.
So next time you crave a creamy pasta dinner, forget about the jarred sauces and let Philadelphia cream cheese transform your carbonara into a rich, dreamy masterpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for pasta?
Yes, you can use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for pasta. Cream cheese makes the sauce rich, creamy, and slightly tangy, for more better smooth consistency, melt it with a bit of milk or pasta water.
What is the best substitute for heavy cream in pasta?
- Cream Cheese
- Half-and-Half
- Evaporated Milk
- Greek Yogurt
- Butter
What is the difference between creamy pasta and carbonara?
Creamy pasta uses cream and milk for richness, while carbonara gets its creamy texture from eggs, cheese, and pasta water, without cream added.
What’s the secret to creamy carbonara?
The secret of creamy, authentic carbonara lies in crispy bacon, eggs, and Pecorino cheese are combined off the heat to create a smooth, silky sauce, without heavy cream. You can make this delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
