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creamy prosciutto carbonara delight

Creamy Prosciutto Carbonara

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This luxurious pasta dish features a velvety sauce made with half-and-half that perfectly coats every strand of pasta. The saltiness of prosciutto ham balances beautifully with creamy egg yolks, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory dimension enhanced by black pepper and oregano.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 6 ounces Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 pints half-and-half full-fat
  • 6-12 ounces prosciutto ham chopped into small chunks
  • 12 hard-boiled egg yolks whites discarded
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • cornstarch optional, for thickening
  • pasta of your choice such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or rigatoni

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Chop the prosciutto ham into small chunks. Tip: Rolling the sliced ham before cutting creates perfect little morsels.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the hard-boiled egg yolks, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and oregano. Use a fork to break up the eggs until roughly combined.
  3. Add the chopped prosciutto to the bowl with the egg mixture.
  4. Pour in the half-and-half and stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and simmer over low heat. Be patient and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking.
  6. Meanwhile, cook your pasta of choice according to package instructions until al dente.
  7. If the sauce isn't thick enough after simmering, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the sauce, stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
  8. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
  9. Pour the creamy prosciutto sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional black pepper or Parmesan if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 650kcal

Notes

For the best flavor, try to use authentic prosciutto di Parma if your budget allows. While pre-grated Parmesan is convenient, freshly grating your own from a block will give you a smoother sauce without anti-caking agents.
This carbonara pairs beautifully with a crisp arugula salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.

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