10 Recipes for the Ones You Love ❤️

10 Recipes for the Ones You Love ❤️ is a medium Italian recipe that serves 2. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Jamie Oliver on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min

Cost: $5.90 total, $2.95 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 Leeks (white parts only, sliced very fine)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (softened, cut into cubes)
  • 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme
  • 4 cloves Garlic (finely sliced)
  • 400 ml Water (for simmering leeks)
  • 300 g Spaghetti (dry weight)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature, whole egg)
  • 50 g Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, hard cheese (use vegetarian hard cheese if desired))
  • to taste Sea Salt
  • to taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for finishing drizzle)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Leeks

    Trim the roots and dark green tops off the leeks, slice off the white part very thinly, then rinse and pat dry.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp butter, 4 sprigs thyme and the 4 sliced garlic cloves. Stir briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Cook Leeks

    Add the sliced leeks to the pan, season with a pinch of salt, and stir to coat. Cook for 1‑2 minutes just to start softening, then pour in 400 ml water, lower the heat to low, cover with a lid and let simmer gently for 40 minutes until the leeks are silky and reduced.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: Low

  4. Boil Pasta

    While the leeks simmer, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 300 g spaghetti and cook according to package instructions (about 10 minutes) until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Boiling

  5. Prepare Egg‑Cheese Mixture

    In a mixing bowl, beat the whole egg, then stir in the grated 50 g Parmesan until well combined. Add about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture; it should be a smooth, pourable custard.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Combine Pasta and Leeks

    Drain the leeks, discarding excess liquid, and return them to the low‑heat skillet. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat the pasta with the leek juices.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Low

  7. Finish Sauce

    Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg‑Parmesan mixture over the pasta, tossing continuously with tongs to create a silky sauce. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more pasta water.

    Time: PT2M

  8. Season and Serve

    Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Drizzle a teaspoon of extra‑virgin olive oil over the top, give a final toss, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
62 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (Parmesan), Gluten (spaghetti)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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10 Recipes for the Ones You Love ❤️

Recipe by Jamie Oliver

A creamy, luxurious vegetarian carbonara that swaps smoky bacon for sweet, slow‑cooked leeks. The leeks are simmered in butter, olive oil, thyme and garlic until silky, then combined with egg, Parmesan and starchy pasta water for a silky sauce that coats every strand of spaghetti.

MediumItalianServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
52m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 15m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.90
Total cost
$2.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not let the garlic brown in step 2
  • Simmer leeks gently with water for 40 minutes to achieve a sweet, silky texture
  • Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg‑cheese mixture to prevent scrambling

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot water and pan with care to avoid burns
  • If concerned about raw egg, use pasteurized eggs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Leek Carbonara in Italian cuisine?

A

Carbonara traditionally hails from Rome and is made with guanciale, egg yolks and Pecorino. Jamie Oliver’s vegetarian version swaps the pork for sweet leeks, preserving the creamy texture while offering a plant‑forward twist that reflects modern Italian home cooking trends.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of carbonara in Italy?

A

In central Italy, carbonara uses guanciale and Pecorino Romano; in the south, some cooks add pancetta or add a splash of cream, though purists consider cream non‑traditional. The vegetarian leek version is a contemporary adaptation rather than a historic regional style.

cultural
Q

How is authentic carbonara traditionally served in Rome?

A

It is served hot, immediately after tossing the pasta with the egg‑cheese mixture, topped with a generous grind of black pepper and a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil. The dish is meant to be creamy, not dry, and is eaten straight from the pan or a shallow bowl.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is carbonara traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Carbonara is a staple of family meals and casual gatherings, often enjoyed on Fridays or during weekend family lunches. Its quick preparation makes it popular for impromptu dinner parties and festive occasions where comfort food is prized.

cultural
Q

What makes Leek Carbonara special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The use of slowly simmered leeks provides a natural sweetness and silky texture that mimics the richness of guanciale without meat. This creates a vegetarian-friendly carbonara that still delivers the luxurious mouthfeel of the classic dish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Leek Carbonara?

A

Common errors include browning the garlic, over‑cooking the leeks, and adding the egg mixture while the pan is still hot, which causes scrambling. Also, neglecting to reserve pasta water can result in a dry sauce.

technical
Q

Why does this Leek Carbonara recipe use whole egg instead of just yolks?

A

Jamie Oliver uses a whole egg to reduce waste and add a slightly lighter texture. The yolk provides richness, while the white helps bind the sauce without making it overly heavy.

technical
Q

Can I make Leek Carbonara ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can simmer the leeks and prepare the egg‑cheese mixture a day ahead, storing each in the refrigerator. Reheat the leeks gently, combine with freshly cooked pasta, and finish the sauce as described.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Leek Carbonara?

A

The leeks should be soft, almost melt‑in‑your‑mouth, and the sauce should coat the spaghetti in a glossy, velvety layer without any visible egg curds. A final dusting of black pepper and a drizzle of olive oil give it a classic look.

technical
Q

How do I know when Leek Carbonara is done cooking?

A

The dish is done when the leeks are completely softened, the pasta is al dente, and the egg‑cheese mixture has thickened into a smooth sauce that clings to each strand without separating or scrambling.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Jamie Oliver specializes in approachable, home‑cooked recipes that celebrate fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple techniques, often putting a modern twist on classic dishes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Jamie Oliver's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Jamie Oliver focuses on quick, family‑friendly adaptations using everyday pantry items, whereas many traditional Italian channels emphasize strict regional authenticity and longer, more elaborate preparations. Oliver’s style blends comfort with flavor while keeping prep time short.

channel

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