¡Receta viral de Pasta Carbonara
¡Receta viral de Pasta Carbonara! is a medium Italian-inspired Latin American recipe that serves 4. 820 calories per serving. Recipe by rapido y delicioso Official on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $13.12 total, $3.28 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Spaghetti (dry pasta)
- 200 g Bacon (cut into 1‑cm pieces; preferably thick‑cut)
- 150 g Smoked Ham (diced into small cubes)
- 1 cup Sweet Corn Kernels (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 medium Onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 5 cloves Garlic (minced very fine)
- 200 ml Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 100 g Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro (chopped; can substitute parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (adds color to the pasta water)
- to taste Salt (season the sauce and pasta water)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (optional, for extra richness in the sauce)
Instructions
Boil Pasta Water
Fill a large pot with water, bring to a rolling boil, add a pinch of salt and 1 tsp paprika for color.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Cook Spaghetti
Add 500 g spaghetti to the boiling water and cook al dente according to package instructions (about 9‑10 minutes).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 100°C
Fry Bacon
While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the bacon pieces and fry in their own fat until crisp and golden, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Prep Aromatics and Ham
Finely mince the 5 garlic cloves, dice the onion, and cut the smoked ham into small cubes. Also measure 1 cup corn kernels.
Time: PT5M
Reserve Bacon Fat
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked bacon to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
Time: PT1M
Sauté Garlic, Onion, Ham, and Corn
In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp butter (optional) and sauté the minced garlic and onion over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the diced ham and corn, continue cooking until everything is lightly browned, another 2 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Combine Bacon and Cream
Return the crisp bacon to the skillet, then pour in 200 ml heavy cream. Stir gently and let the mixture simmer for 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Time: PT3M
Finish the Sauce
Season with salt to taste, stir in the chopped cilantro (or parsley), and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is glossy.
Time: PT2M
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Drain the spaghetti, return it to the pot, and pour the sauce over the pasta. Toss gently to coat, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed for a silky consistency.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Serve
Divide the creamy spaghetti among plates, garnish with a little extra Parmesan and cilantro if desired, and serve immediately.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 820
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 85 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spaghetti: Linguine, Fettuccine
- Instead of Bacon: Pancetta, Smoked turkey bacon
- Instead of Smoked Ham: Cooked ham, Prosciutto (halved)
- Instead of Sweet Corn Kernels: Canned corn (drained)
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Whole milk + butter
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Fresh Cilantro: Parsley
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Butter: Olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking bacon until crisp without burning.
- Simmering the cream gently to avoid curdling.
- Ensuring the sauce coats the pasta evenly by using reserved pasta water.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Reserve a cup of pasta cooking water; the starch helps bind the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
- If you prefer less richness, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thin.
Add a little more grated Parmesan or reduce the sauce a minute longer; you can also stir in a splash of pasta water to achieve a silky texture.
Sauce curdles or separates.
Lower the heat immediately, whisk vigorously, and add a splash of milk or extra cream to bring it back together.
Pasta sticks together after draining.
Toss the hot pasta with a drizzle of olive oil before adding to the sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; the cream may separate after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the bacon and ham a day ahead; store in the fridge and reheat before adding to the sauce.
- Grate the Parmesan cheese in advance and keep sealed.
- The sauce can be prepared up to the point of adding cheese; refrigerate and finish when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy bacon and ham spaghetti in Latin American-Italian fusion cuisine?
This dish reflects the blending of Italian pasta traditions with Latin American flavors like smoky bacon and fresh cilantro. While classic carbonara uses pancetta and pecorino, the addition of corn and cilantro gives it a regional twist popular in Mexican and Argentine home cooking.
What are the traditional regional variations of pasta carbonara in Latin America?
In many Latin American households, carbonara is adapted with locally available ingredients such as bacon (tocineta), smoked ham, corn, and herbs like cilantro or parsley, creating a brighter, slightly sweet profile compared to the Italian version.
How is creamy bacon and ham spaghetti traditionally served in Mexican households?
It is often served hot as a main course, sprinkled with extra grated cheese and a garnish of fresh cilantro or parsley, accompanied by a simple green salad or warm tortillas on the side.
What occasions or celebrations is this creamy bacon and ham spaghetti traditionally associated with in Latin American culture?
The dish is popular for family gatherings, weekend lunches, and casual celebrations such as birthdays or fiestas because it is quick to prepare yet feels indulgent.
What makes this creamy bacon and ham spaghetti special or unique in Latin American-Italian cuisine?
The combination of crispy bacon fat, smoky ham, sweet corn, and fresh cilantro creates a flavor profile that balances richness with brightness, setting it apart from the traditional Italian carbonara.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy bacon and ham spaghetti?
Common errors include over‑cooking the bacon so it becomes bitter, letting the cream boil too hard which causes curdling, and not reserving pasta water, which makes the sauce too thick or thin.
Why does this recipe use bacon fat instead of added oil for sautéing the aromatics?
Bacon renders its own flavorful fat, eliminating the need for extra oil and imparting a smoky depth to the sauce that is essential to the dish’s character.
Can I make this creamy bacon and ham spaghetti ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add cheese, and combine with freshly cooked pasta before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the sauce is done?
The sauce should be smooth, glossy, and coat the back of a spoon without pooling; it will thicken slightly as it rests with the pasta, creating a velvety coating.
How do I know when the creamy bacon and ham spaghetti is done cooking?
The pasta should be al dente, the bacon crisp, and the sauce should have thickened enough to cling to each strand. A quick taste will confirm the seasoning and texture.
What does the YouTube channel Rapido y Delicioso Official specialize in?
Rapido y Delicioso Official focuses on quick, flavorful Latin American and fusion recipes that can be prepared at home with everyday ingredients, emphasizing speed and taste.
How does the YouTube channel Rapido y Delicioso Official's approach to Latin American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
The channel blends traditional Latin flavors with modern, fast‑track techniques, often using pantry staples and offering step‑by‑step narration in Spanish, making the recipes accessible to busy home cooks.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
