Crispy Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara Recipe

Golden Crispy Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara Recipe to Savor

Pasta lovers find pure bliss in this crispy asparagus and mushroom carbonara that combines rustic Italian flavors with fresh seasonal ingredients.

Creamy eggs and parmesan cheese create a luxurious sauce that clings perfectly to al dente noodles.

Crisp asparagus and earthy mushrooms add delightful texture and depth to every bite.

The combination of ingredients brings a sophisticated twist to the classic carbonara recipe.

Sautéed vegetables provide a vibrant green and golden-brown accent to the silky pasta.

Each forkful promises a harmonious blend of rich, savory notes that dance across your palate.

You won’t be able to resist this restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 735 kcal

Servings: 4

Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara Ingredient Guide

For Roasting:
  • Asparagus: Tender green spears that bring a fresh, crisp texture to the dish.
  • Mushrooms: Earthy and meaty fungi that add depth and umami flavor to the roasted vegetables.
  • Olive Oil: Helps vegetables caramelize and adds a smooth, rich coating.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
For Pasta and Sauce Base:
  • Pasta: Carries the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying base for the dish.
  • Eggs: Create a silky, luxurious sauce when combined with cheese.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty punch and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Pasta Water: Starchy liquid that helps bind the sauce and adjust its consistency.
For Flavor Boosters:
  • Bacon: Brings a smoky, crispy element that adds incredible depth to the carbonara.
  • Garlic: Provides a aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and beautiful green color.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Roast, Toss, and Coat for Maximum Flavor

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F, getting ready to transform simple veggies into flavor bombs.

  • Prep Veggie Magic

Tumble asparagus and mushrooms with olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet like a delicious landscape.

  • Roast Those Beauties

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the veggies caramelize for 20-25 minutes, giving them a quick stir halfway through for even golden goodness.

  • Boil Pasta Perfection

Fill a big pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender. Snag a cup of pasta water before draining.

  • Whip Up Creamy Sauce

Blend eggs and Parmesan in a bowl, creating a silky base for your ultimate comfort dish.

  • Bacon and Garlic Dance

Crisp up bacon in a skillet, leaving just a touch of fat. Toss in garlic and let it sizzle for a quick 30 seconds.

  • Create Carbonara Magic

Dump hot pasta into the skillet, then off the heat, pour in the egg mixture. Stir like crazy to create a luxurious sauce. Splash in reserved pasta water if needed.

  • Final Flourish

Gently fold roasted veggies into the pasta. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Carbonara Ideas to Keep It Fresh

  • Ensure even cooking by cutting asparagus and mushrooms into similar-sized pieces. Pat vegetables dry before roasting to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior.
  • If the carbonara sauce becomes too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to restore a silky, smooth consistency. Stir vigorously to prevent egg scrambling.
  • Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate version. Adjust cooking time for vegetable noodles to prevent overcooking.
  • Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative. Use vegetarian Parmesan or nutritional yeast for similar umami flavor.
  • Roast vegetables and cook bacon in advance. Store separately in the refrigerator, then quickly assemble the dish when ready to serve for a speedy weeknight meal.

Serving It All with a Rustic Flair

  • Rustic Dinner Party Delight: Invite friends over for a cozy Italian-inspired evening, serving this carbonara as the star of the meal with a crisp white wine and fresh bread.
  • Weeknight Meal Upgrade: Transform this dish into a quick and elegant dinner by prepping roasted veggies and bacon in advance, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Swap bacon for crispy pancetta or smoked tofu to create a versatile dish that caters to different dietary preferences without losing flavor complexity.
  • Leftover Magic: Enjoy cold pasta the next day as a delicious lunch, or reheat gently with a splash of extra pasta water to maintain the creamy sauce's silky texture.

How to Keep It Good the Next Day

  • Make the roasted vegetables and bacon up to 3 days ahead in sealed containers, keeping them separate to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
  • Store leftover carbonara in an airtight container for 2-3 days, understanding the sauce might thicken when chilled. Gently reheat with a splash of pasta water to restore creamy texture.
  • Not recommended for this dish due to egg-based sauce which can separate and become grainy when thawed. Fresh preparation delivers the best taste and consistency.
  • Divide remaining carbonara into individual meal-sized containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches. Pack roasted vegetables separately to keep them crisp when reheating.

Tools to Bring Carbonara Together Like a Pro

  • Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting vegetables evenly with crispy edges.
  • Large Skillet: Crucial for cooking bacon, sautéing garlic, and mixing pasta.
  • Large Pot: Needed to boil pasta to perfect al dente texture.
  • Small Bowl: Used for whisking eggs and Parmesan cheese mixture.
  • Whisk: Helps blend egg and cheese ingredients smoothly.
  • Cutting Board: Necessary for chopping garlic and bacon.
  • Sharp Knife: Required for dicing bacon and preparing ingredients.
  • Tongs: Helpful for stirring vegetables and tossing pasta.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing sauce and ingredients in skillet.
Print
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Crispy Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara Recipe

Crispy Asparagus and Mushroom Carbonara


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4.9 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Silky roasted asparagus and mushroom carbonara weaves delicate Italian flavors into a comforting pasta experience. Creamy eggs, sharp pecorino, and earthy vegetables create a luxurious dish you’ll savor with each delightful forkful.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 oz (226 g) mushrooms (cremini or button), quartered
  • 4 slices bacon or pancetta, diced
  • 8 oz (226 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or linguine)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Vegetable Roasting: Elevate oven temperature to 400F (200C). Massage asparagus and mushrooms with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper. Distribute evenly on baking sheet, roasting for 20-25 minutes while rotating midway to ensure uniform caramelization.
  2. Pasta Preparation: Initiate a generously salted water bath, bringing to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until perfectly al dente, preserving 1/2 cup starchy liquid before straining.
  3. Sauce Foundation: Whisk eggs and Parmesan in a separate vessel, creating a silky emulsion that will transform into a luxurious coating.
  4. Flavor Development: Render bacon in a spacious skillet until crisp and golden. Drain excess fat, reserving a thin layer. Quickly sauté minced garlic, releasing its aromatic essence.
  5. Harmonizing Elements: Transfer steaming pasta into the bacon-infused skillet. Introduce egg-cheese mixture off direct heat, stirring vigorously to generate a velvety sauce. Incorporate reserved pasta water to achieve desired consistency. Gently integrate roasted vegetables, seasoning generously with cracked black pepper.
  6. Presentation: Artfully plate carbonara, garnishing with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately to preserve optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

  • Roast vegetables until edges are slightly crisp but not burnt, ensuring they maintain their texture and flavor.
  • Remove skillet from heat before adding egg mixture to prevent eggs from scrambling, creating a smooth, silky carbonara sauce.
  • Use reserved pasta water gradually to adjust sauce thickness, aiming for a creamy, glossy coating that clings to pasta.
  • Serve immediately while pasta is hot to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent separation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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