Spaghetti carbonara recipe with spinach and minced meat

Spaghetti Carbonara with Spinach and Ground Meat – A Delicious and Nutritious Recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Who doesn’t love a plate of spaghetti carbonara? This recipe, however, brings an innovative twist by combining tradition with a surprising ingredient: spinach. Spaghetti carbonara is a classic Italian dish, but this version with spinach and ground meat offers a new dimension, full of vitamins and flavor. Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe will win you over with its simplicity and delicious taste.

The history of spaghetti carbonara is fascinating. It is believed that this dish was created by workers in Rome who used simple yet nourishing ingredients. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and now there are numerous variations, each with its own story and flavor nuances. Our version, enhanced with spinach and ground meat, not only modernizes it but also adds extra nutrients.

The basic ingredients for this recipe are easy to find, and the combination of pasta, meat, and spinach offers a balanced dish, ideal for a quick dinner. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:
- 1 package of spaghetti (about 400 g)
- 100 g spinach puree (or fresh spinach, if you prefer)
- 100 g bacon, diced
- 300 g ground meat (preferably a mix, but you can also use turkey)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 eggs
- 4 tablespoons of sour cream
- 100 g grated parmesan or cheese

Preparation steps:

1. Boiling the spaghetti: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to flavor the pasta. When the water starts to boil, add the whole spaghetti without breaking it. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until al dente.

2. Preparing the bacon and spinach: In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it heat up. Add the diced bacon and sauté until crispy and golden. Then, add the spinach puree and mix well to combine the flavors. If using fresh spinach, sauté until wilted.

3. Cooking the ground meat: In another skillet, add a little olive oil and the ground meat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and cook until the meat is nicely browned and fully cooked. This step is essential for adding delicious texture and flavor to your dish.

4. Preparing the sauce: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the sour cream and grated parmesan. Add a pinch of pepper and, if necessary, a little salt. It’s important to mix well to achieve a creamy and smooth sauce.

5. Combining the ingredients: Once the spaghetti is ready, drain it well and return it to the pot in which you cooked it. Add the bacon and spinach mixture, then the ground meat. Mix everything well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.

6. Adding the sauce: While the ingredients are still warm, pour the egg and sour cream sauce over the spaghetti. Quickly mix so that the sauce distributes evenly and thickens slightly due to the heat of the pasta. Be careful not to cook the sauce too much to avoid turning the eggs into an omelet.

7. Serving: Place a generous nest of spaghetti on a plate, add the ground meat on top, and pour the creamy sauce over it. You can sprinkle extra parmesan or grated cheese for added flavor. A garnish of fresh parsley can add a splash of color and aroma.

Practical tips:
- If you want to add even more vegetables, you can include grated carrots or zucchini for an even healthier version.
- You can replace the bacon with turkey ham for a lighter version of the dish.
- Make sure the spaghetti is al dente so it doesn’t turn mushy in the end.
- Give your dish a special taste and aroma by adding a few fresh basil leaves before serving.

Calories and nutritional benefits:
This spaghetti carbonara recipe with spinach and ground meat is not only delicious but also nutritious. Each serving contains about 600 calories, being a good source of protein from meat and eggs, as well as fiber and vitamins from spinach. Spinach is rich in vitamins K, A, and C, contributing to the health of the immune system and bones.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent alternative for adding fiber and extra nutrition.
- Can I adapt this recipe for a vegetarian diet? Yes, you can replace the ground meat with mushrooms or tofu and the bacon with a vegetarian alternative.
- How can I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume them within the next 2 days. Reheating can be done in the microwave or in a skillet, with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

This spaghetti carbonara recipe with spinach and ground meat is perfect for a quick dinner but also to impress guests. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its rich flavors! Enjoy!