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Homemade Ziti Carbonara with Salami photo

Ziti Carbonara with Salami

A creamy, quick ziti carbonara with crispy Genoa salami and Parmesan for an easy weeknight meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces ziti pasta
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 ounces Genoa salami cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (or half-and-half; can add a little more if desired)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Tongs or pasta fork
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the ziti until al dente according to package instructions.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts.
  3. Add the Genoa salami strips to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the salami is browned and crisp.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; remove from heat.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, heavy whipping cream, grated Parmesan, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth.
  6. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then add the hot pasta to the skillet with the salami and toss for 30 seconds to combine.
  7. Remove the skillet from the heat and quickly add the egg-and-cream mixture, tossing constantly to create a creamy sauce; add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  8. Stir in the chopped parsley, taste, and adjust with extra Parmesan and pepper if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use hot pasta and remove the skillet from direct heat before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
  • Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream if preferred.