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- 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Optional: ¼ cup crispy fried shallots for topping The ingredients in this dish create a rich flavor that feels like a warm hug. The pasta is the base, giving you that comforting feel. You can use spaghetti or bucatini; both work well. The unsalted butter and garlic add depth. You can adjust the red pepper flakes to fit your spice level. Cream makes the dish silky. Parmesan brings in a savory note, while lemon zest and juice brighten everything up. Salt and black pepper season the dish. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness. If you want a crunchy twist, add crispy fried shallots. These ingredients blend together for a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start cooking the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key for flavor. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or bucatini. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the pasta is ready, you need to reserve some water. Use a measuring cup to take out 1 cup of pasta water before draining the rest. This water has starch that helps thicken the sauce later. After reserving the water, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, it's time to prepare the sauce. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Be careful not to burn it. Once the butter melts, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Sauté these together for about 1 to 2 minutes. You want the garlic to be fragrant but not browned. Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir this to combine well. Let the mixture simmer gently for about 3 to 5 minutes. This softens the flavors and helps thicken the sauce. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. Don’t forget to add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. This gives the dish a fresh kick. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. If your sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Toss everything well to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Enjoy your flavorful comfort dish! - Adjusting Spice Levels Start with half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. If you crave more heat, add more. Taste often while cooking to get your perfect spice level. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it out! - Choosing the Right Pasta Spaghetti and bucatini are great choices. Bucatini has a hole in the middle, making it unique. This helps sauce cling better. Use what you like best; both will taste amazing! - Avoiding Overcooked Garlic Sauté garlic until it’s fragrant, about one to two minutes. Brown garlic can taste bitter. Keep your heat on medium, and watch it closely. You want that perfect golden color! - Ensuring Creamy Consistency When you add heavy cream, stir well. Let the sauce simmer gently for three to five minutes. This thickens it nicely. If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water until it’s just right. - Garnishing with Parsley Fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over your pasta. This simple touch makes your dish look just like a restaurant meal! - Serving Suggestions Serve your pasta in warm bowls. For extra crunch, top with crispy fried shallots. This adds a fun texture that pairs well with the creamy sauce. Enjoy your beautiful dish! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh garlic and high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor in your sauce. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference; you can start with less and add more as needed. Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve pasta water before draining; it’s a great way to adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor. Garnish Creatively: Adding crispy fried shallots not only enhances the texture but also adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your spicy copycat Carbone pasta. - Chicken or Shrimp: Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp work well. Cook them separately and mix them in with the pasta. This adds flavor and makes the dish heartier. - Vegetarian Options: For a meat-free meal, try adding chickpeas or tofu. They soak up the sauce and give you a nice texture. Adding more flavors can elevate your dish even further. - Adding Vegetables: Spinach or mushrooms are great choices. Sauté spinach until wilted or add mushrooms for a savory taste. Toss them in right before you mix in the pasta. - Experimenting with Different Cheeses: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano or add mozzarella. Each cheese brings a different taste and texture to the dish. Feel free to change up the sauce to suit your taste. - Tomato-Based Variants: You can make a tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. This gives a fresh twist and can balance the spice. - No-Cream Versions: If you want a lighter dish, skip the cream. Use olive oil and vegetable broth instead. This keeps the pasta flavorful while cutting down on richness. To keep your Spicy Copycat Carbone Pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It will stay good for about three days. For best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They help prevent air from getting in. This keeps your pasta creamy and flavorful. When you're ready to eat, you can quickly reheat the pasta. The microwave works well for this. Just place the pasta in a bowl and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to warm it evenly. To keep the sauce creamy, add a splash of milk or extra cream while reheating. This will help revive that rich flavor. If it looks dry, add a little reserved pasta water too. You can freeze Spicy Copycat Carbone Pasta if you have leftovers. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure it’s sealed well to avoid freezer burn. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Cool the pasta completely before freezing. This helps to keep the texture nice. Label your container with the date, so you remember when you froze it. To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, reheat it using the microwave or on the stove. Add a bit of cream to help with the sauce. Stir well to mix everything before serving. Spicy Copycat Carbone Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish that warms the heart. It uses spaghetti or bucatini, butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. The result is a rich pasta that is both comforting and exciting. This recipe is inspired by a famous restaurant dish. It brings the taste of fine dining into your kitchen. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To prepare, cook the pasta and sauce as directed. Let them cool before storing. Use an airtight container for best results. You can store the pasta and sauce separately to keep the texture nice. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you can use several options. Whole milk with butter is a good choice. You can mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. For a non-dairy option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. Each option will change the flavor a bit. Adjust the seasoning to keep it tasty. This blog post covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips for making Spicy Copycat Carbone Pasta. You learned how to create a rich, creamy sauce and the importance of using the right spices. I shared variations for adding protein or vegetables and provided storage tips for leftovers. In conclusion, cooking this dish at home is fun and easy. With practice, you can impress yourself and others with a delicious meal. Enjoy exploring the flavors and making it your own!

Spicy Copycat Carbone Pasta

A creamy and spicy pasta dish inspired by the famous Carbone restaurant.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz spaghetti or bucatini pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 lemon Zest of
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup crispy fried shallots (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or bucatini and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.
  • Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
  • Create a Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  • Add Cheese and Flavor: Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is achieved. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
  • Garnish and Serve: Once combined, remove from heat. Serve the pasta in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of crispy fried shallots for added texture.

Notes

Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
Keyword creamy, Italian, pasta, Spicy