I once attended a class by a French chef who waxed poetic about the authentic French carbonara, without cream. But I just can’t accept it. My mind is refusing to acknowledge the authentic carbonara as real carbonara. While it’s definitely a tasty dish, my tongue keep expecting the cream.

Habit is really a strange thing.

If you’re interested to learn about how to cook authentic carbonara, head here: French Kusina’s Authentic Carbonara.

Anyway, here is the Filipino Carbonara recipe as we Pinoy’s like it.

Pasta FIlipino Carbonara Recipe

Ingredients:

• 300g spaghetti, cooked according to instructions
• 1 pack 200 gms chopped bacon
• 6 cloves chopped garlic
• 2 packs NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream 250 mL
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup grated Cheddar cheese
• ½ cup water (or chicken cube broth)
• canned mushroom (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to instructions, rinse with water and set aside.
2. Fry bacon in a pan until crisp. Cut up and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic and cook until lightly browned. Saute mushroom (if using).
4. Lower heat and pour in NESTLÉ All Purpose Cream, followed by cheeses. Add water and stir to combine. Let simmer. – DO NOT allow to boil over!
5. Add most of the bacon to the sauce. Reserve some for toppings.
6. Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce until well-coated.
7. Transfer to plate and top with remaining bacon. Sprinkle with some parmesan cheese. Enjoy!