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by Manny
Carbonara is popular Italian pasta than has become a favorite pasta dish all worldwide. Usually the dish includes spaghetti pasta., eggs, pancetta or bacon and cheese which is the perfect partner for this dish, the Parmesan cheese. There are many variations of this pasta dish and the one I have here is called tuna carbonara which uses canned tuna instead of bacon or pancetta. In this recipe post, I’ll give you some tips and suggestions for preparing the creamy tuna carbonara dish that stands out from the rest. By the way, if you seem interested in a Pinoy version of creamy carbonara that doesn’t use eggs, you can also try this creamy carbonara recipe Pinoy style!
Table of Contents
A Delectable Twist to a Classic Dish
In the world of pasta, This carbonara dish has secured its place as a quick and easy-to-make dish. But what if we told you there’s a way to elevate it to a whole new level of creaminess and flavor? Follow this improved recipe, and you’ll discover the magic of three essential ingredients that set this Tuna Carbonara apart.
The Trio of Excellence: Butter, Cheese, and Parsley
To transform your carbonara, embrace the power of butter, cheese, and parsley. These three ingredients work in harmony, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the dish. While parsley is optional, its addition provides a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the sauce. Don’t overlook the importance of these elements; they are the secret to taking your carbonara recipe from good to exceptional.
Cream of Mushroom Soup: The Unlikely Hero
A standout component of this recipe is the inclusion of cream of mushroom soup. Opt for a reliable brand like Campbell’s or choose the dehydrated version, such as Knorr cream of mushroom soup. If using the dehydrated version, ensure it’s dissolved in water before adding it to avoid lumps in your sauce. This unexpected addition introduces a velvety texture and an extra layer of flavor that will leave your taste buds singing.
Choosing the Right Tuna: Solids Over Flakes
When selecting tuna in cans, prioritize tuna solids or chunks. These contain more fish meat, providing a more satisfying texture compared to tuna flakes. Whether in brine or oil, the choice is yours; the taste remains consistent. If opting for brined tuna, be sure to drain it first to avoid overpowering saltiness in your sauce.
Perfecting the Pasta: A Crucial Step
Achieving the ideal pasta texture is crucial for a successful carbonara dish. Follow these steps to improve our recipe:
- Boil 1 liter of water in a deep pot.
- Add salt and cooking oil to prevent pasta sticking.
- Cook spaghetti or fettuccine according to package instructions.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Ensure the pasta is al dente—firm but not hard.
- Drain and rinse with tap water to halt cooking.
- Drain again and let pasta sit in a colander to remove excess water.
Crafting the Creamy Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onion and garlic until tender.
- Add sliced mushrooms, stir-frying until seared and slightly brown.
- Introduce tuna, seasoning with magic sarap, salt, and pepper, stir-frying for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in milk, water, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and nestle cream.
- Stir and simmer until the sauce boils.
- Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Add parsley, stirring briefly before turning off the heat.
Assembling the Masterpiece: Bringing It All Together
Pour the luscious carbonara sauce over your cooked spaghetti or fettuccine. Garnish with parsley and grated cheese for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Alternatively, toss the pasta directly in the sauce for a quick and casual serving.
Final Thoughts: An Easy and Indulgent Filipino Twist
With this upgraded Creamy Carbonara, you’ve unlocked the potential for a delightful twist on a classic dish. Easy to make and bursting with flavors, this Filipino-inspired pasta creation is sure to become a household favorite. So, why settle for ordinary when you can savor the extraordinary with each creamy, delectable bite? Dive into the world of improved Tuna Carbonara – your taste buds will thank you!
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes
Tuna Carbonara Recipe
This recipe is an improved version of the simple tuna carbonara. Three additional ingredients I think is what makes this recipe stands from the rest.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time30 minutes mins
Course: Pasta
Cuisine: Filipino
Keyword: creamy carbonara, pinoy style carbonara, tuna carbonara
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 611kcal
Author: Manny
Ingredients
- 1 kilo Spaghetti or Fettuccine pasta you can use any pasta
- 2 cans tuna solid in oil 184 grams per can
- 1 medium size can Nestle cream
- 1 tsp. magic sarap
- 1/2 cup grated cheese
- 50 grams butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 pcs medium size onion chopped
- 1 liter water for cooking the pasta
- 1 small can button mushroom sliced
- 1 small can cream of mushroom soup e.g. Campbell's condensed cream of mushroom soup
- few stalks of parsley chopped finely
- 1 370ml can evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup water
- salt and pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
Instructions
How to Cook Tuna Carbonara
In a deep pot put the 1 liter of water and bring to a boil.
Then add salt and cooking oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Put the Spaghetti or Fettuccine and cook according to the instruction on the package.
Stir the pasta from time to time to avoid the pasta sticking on the bottom of the pot.
Check if the pasta is already cooked and tender, firm but not hard (al dente).
Then drain the water from the pasta and fill the pot with tap water to prevent the pasta from overcooking.
Drain the water again and pour the pasta in a colander or strainer to remove the excess water.
Let it drain for a few minutes then transfer to a Tupperware or any container that can hold the pasta. Set aside.
In a medium size saucepan, in a medium fire, melt the butter and saute onion and garlic until tender then add the sliced mushrooms.
Stir fry the mushrooms until the sides are seared and a little brown.
Then add the tuna and stir fry for 1 to 2 minutes and season with magic sarap, salt and pepper.
Add in the milk, water, cheese, cream of mushroom soup and nestle cream and stir and simmer until the sauce boils.
Continue stirring until the sauce becomes thick. Add the parsley and stir again for a few seconds. Turn off heat.
Pour the carbonara sauce on top of the Spaghetti or Fettuccine and garnish with parsley and grated cheese. Or just toss the pasta on with the sauce and serve.
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips for The Tuna Carbonara:
Mind Your Pasta Timing: Achieving Al Dente Excellence
One of the keys to a stellar this carbonara lies in perfectly cooked pasta. Follow the package instructions for your chosen spaghetti or fettuccine, but don't neglect the importance of checking the pasta's texture. Aim for that sweet spot known as "al dente" – firm to the bite but not overly hard. Stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking and promptly draining and rinsing it with tap water will ensure you achieve the ideal texture. Remember, the pasta will continue to cook slightly even after draining, so it's crucial to prevent overcooking.
Tantalize Your Taste Buds with Quality Tuna: Solids Over Flakes
Elevate the overall experience of your carbonara by choosing the right canned tuna. Opt for tuna solids or chunks rather than flakes, as they offer a more substantial and satisfying texture. Whether packed in brine or oil, the choice is yours, with no significant impact on flavor. However, if you go for brined tuna, ensure you drain it thoroughly to avoid an overly salty sauce. The superior texture provided by tuna solids is a small yet essential detail that can make a significant difference in your final dish.
Master the Creamy Sauce: Patience and Precision
Crafting the velvety, flavorful sauce is the heart of a fantastic creamy carbonara. To ensure your sauce achieves the perfect consistency and taste, here are a few tips:
Stir and Simmer with Care: When adding the milk, water, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, and nestle cream to your sautéed ingredients, stir consistently and patiently. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it reaches a boil. This gradual process ensures that the flavors meld harmoniously, resulting in a rich and well-balanced sauce.
Avoid Lumps in Your Soup: If using dehydrated cream of mushroom soup, dissolve it in water before adding it to the sauce. This extra step prevents unsightly lumps and guarantees a smooth and creamy consistency throughout the dish.
Thicken with Precision: Achieving the right thickness for your sauce is crucial. Stir continuously after reaching a boil, as this helps the sauce thicken gradually. Be mindful not to rush this step, as a patiently thickened sauce contributes to the overall luxuriousness of your Creamy Carbonara.
Nutrition Notes:
Calorie and other nutrition information is derived from HappyFolks.Com recipe nutrition calculator. The percent daily value (%DV) is based on a daily 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Facts:
Amount per Serving:360g, Calories:611kcal, From fat:159, Total fat:18.1g, Saturated Fat:9.8g, Trans Fat:0.2g, Cholesterol:46mg, Sodium: 514mgTotal Carbohydrate: 83g, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Sugars: 9g, Protein: 28g, Vitamin A: 20%, Vitamin C: 18%, Calcium: 21%, Iron: 12%
Try Other Delicious Recipes:
- Spaghetti with Condensed Milk
- Sweet and Spicy Pork Belly
- A Beginner's Guide to Filipino Spices and Seasonings
About Manny
Manny Montala is the creator and webmaster of this blog. I'm also an engineering graduate who is keen in culinary arts especially on the realm of Filipino dishes and recipes. Read More...
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One of My Favorite Bible Verse: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
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