Jamie Oliver's 'favourite' carbonara recipe has a unique tasty addition

Described as one of Jamie Oliver's "favourite pasta dishes", his take on the classic carbonara is smoky and creamy.

By Chanelle Georgina, Senior Reporter

Italian Food: Pasta alla Carbonara

Carbonara is such a simple and tasty dish (Image: Getty)

Jamie Oliver said the addition of "beautiful chestnuts" brings about a "nutty, crumbly and savoury" flavour to his carbonara recipe.

"Oh my days, why has it taken me so long to infiltrate one of my favourite pasta dishes with beautiful chestnuts?" he queried.

The British chef's carbonara recipe also has smoky pancetta, creamy pecorino and a black pepper sauce.

Ready to serve in as little as 15 minutes, the chestnut carbonara is a quick dish that is sure to taste delicious.

Here's how to make Jamie Oliver's chestnut carbonara that will be a repeat favourite for meat lovers.

Chestnuts in a wooden plate on a burlap sack

Chestnuts are Jamie Oliver's unique addition to his carbonara recipe (Image: Getty)

Chestnut carbonara recipe

  • Serves: two people
  • Cooks in: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 150g pasta
  • Three rashers of smoked pancetta or streaky bacon
  • 180g vacuum-packed chestnuts
  • Four large free-range eggs
  • 20g pecorino or Parmesan, plus extra to serve

Method

Cook the pasta

Cook the pasta in a pan of boiling salted water according to the packet instructions, then drain, reserving a mugful of starchy cooking water.

With a tablespoon of hot oil in a large non-stick frying pain on medium heat, sizzle the (finely sliced or diced) pancetta.

Pancetta on vintage chopping board

Chopped pancetta is the base of a smoky carbonara (Image: Getty)

Once sizzling, crumble in the chestnuts, a pinch of black pepper, and then stir regularly until golden and crisp.

Meanwhile, separate the eggs, putting the yolks into a bowl, then finely grate in the cheese and mix together.

Tip the drained pasta into the chestnut and pancetta pan, then remove from the heat and wait two minutes for the pan to cool slightly.

Loosen the egg mixture with a splash of the reserved pasta water, then pour the egg mixture over the pasta, tossing with a pair of tongs. Season and serve with more grated cheese on top.

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