Description
This Miso Carbonara puts a unique twist on the classic Italian pasta dish by incorporating savory miso paste and lean turkey bacon. Ready in just 25 minutes, it is a creamy, flavorful meal that balances umami richness with a hint of spice from red chili flakes, perfect for a quick and comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces of spaghetti
Protein & Flavor
- 4 slices of thick turkey bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon of miso paste
- 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Egg Mixture
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup hot reserved pasta water
Garnish
- Finely chopped green parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti until al dente as per package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the hot pasta water for later use.
- Prepare Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon pieces until crispy. Remove from heat but keep the bacon and its rendered fat in the skillet.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, miso paste, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese until the mixture is smooth. Gradually add in the reserved hot pasta water while whisking to create a silky sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet containing the turkey bacon over low heat. Quickly pour the egg and miso mixture over the pasta while tossing vigorously to coat the spaghetti evenly and prevent the eggs from scrambling. The residual heat will cook the sauce to a creamy consistency.
- Serve: Immediately transfer the pasta to serving bowls. Top with the remaining Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and a sprinkle of finely chopped green parsley. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and work quickly when combining the pasta with the egg mixture to avoid scrambling.
- Reserve pasta water is essential to create a creamy sauce; don’t skip it.
- Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional pancetta or guanciale and still adds great flavor.
- Adjust red chili flakes to taste for preferred heat levels.
- This dish is best enjoyed immediately as the sauce can thicken as it cools.
