Hearty Spam Carbonara: A Rich and Flavorful Cream Pasta
Quick & Delicious Spam Carbonara (Spam Cream Spaghetti) Recipe Using Leftover Spam
This recipe was developed to showcase how you can create an impressive meal like Spam Carbonara using Spam from your pantry. Let’s get started with this fantastic Spam Carbonara recipe, bursting with the savory flavor of Spam! It’s perfect for a special occasion or to elevate an everyday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 serving Pasta (approx. 80-100g)
- 1/2 can Spam (or 1 can)
- 1/2 Onion
- 1 Tbsp minced Garlic
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Butter
- 1-2 Tbsp Cooking Oil (approx. 1 Tbsp)
- 1 pack Store-bought Cream Pasta Sauce (approx. 200g)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, prepare all your ingredients. Dice the Spam into bite-sized pieces (cubes or small rectangles work well) and finely chop the onion. Having everything prepped will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 2
For the freshest flavor, it’s best to mince your own garlic. However, pre-minced garlic is also perfectly fine to use. (Tip: For enhanced aroma, try mashing the minced garlic with a pinch of salt.)
Step 3
Heat a wide skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil, swirling to coat the pan. The pan is ready for sautéing when it’s adequately heated.
Step 4
Add the minced garlic to the heated pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; once it starts to turn a light golden brown, move on to the next step.
Step 5
Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped onion and sauté over medium-low heat until translucent and softened, or lightly golden. Caramelizing the onions will add a natural sweetness and deepen the sauce’s flavor profile.
Step 6
When the onions are nicely softened, add the diced Spam and sauté until it’s lightly browned and rendered some of its fat. The savory flavor of the Spam will meld beautifully with the oil, adding richness. You can push the Spam to one side of the pan or temporarily remove it to a separate dish.
Step 7
For a single serving, we’ll use about 1 cup (200ml) of milk to create a creamy base. Pour the milk into the pan with the sautéed Spam and onions. Bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
Step 8
Once the milk is warm, stir in the store-bought cream pasta sauce (about 200g). Whisk gently to ensure there are no lumps, and let it simmer over medium-low heat to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving that classic carbonara taste.
Step 9
In a separate pot, bring plenty of water to a boil and add 1 serving of pasta. Cook the pasta for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions, aiming for ‘al dente’ – tender with a slight bite in the center. This ensures the pasta won’t become mushy when tossed with the sauce later.
Step 10
Just before draining the pasta, carefully ladle out about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. This reserved pasta water is a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 11
Return the skillet with the cream sauce to low heat and add 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the butter melt, adding a rich, buttery flavor and a glossy sheen to the sauce.
Step 12
Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the sauce and butter. Toss and stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the pasta is well-coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from drying out.
Step 13
Finally, transfer the pasta from the skillet into the main cream sauce pan (or combine if you started with the sauce in the large skillet). Stir everything together and cook briefly. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creamy, luscious consistency. A good test is if it coats the pasta beautifully and has a slightly thick texture. Your Spam Carbonara is ready! Serve immediately, generously finishing with freshly ground black pepper.
