Troubleshooting Easy Pasta Carbonara: Any Tips?

[ltricarico]

Has anyone out there made the Easy Pasta Carbonara? I made it last night and have 2 problems with it that I would love some help with...

1) the pasta took FOREVER to cook... much longer than the 12-14 minutes that the recipe said. I think I cooked it about 20 mins and the pasta was still chewier than I would have liked.
2) while the pasta was cooking, the recipe specifically said to not let the broth/evaporated milk boil. Mine did at one point and I have to admit that it almost looked like the broth/milk mixture started to curdle a little bit. Not sure if that's what happened, but it's what it looked like. Has anyone had this happen? Is that why the recipe says to not boil the mixture?

My host on Saturday wants this recipe, and at this point I just don't feel comfortable making it at a show. The recipe sounds like a good one, but I need some tips to make it a success please!

 

[Admin Greg]

Hey there! Sorry to hear you had some issues with the Easy Pasta Carbonara recipe. I've made it before and didn't have any problems, but I can offer some tips that might help.1) It's possible that your pasta just needed a bit longer to cook. Every stove and pot is different, so it's not uncommon for cooking times to vary. Next time, you could try cooking the pasta for a few minutes longer and see if that helps.2) It's important not to let the broth/evaporated milk mixture boil because it can cause the sauce to curdle, which is what it sounds like happened in your case. When dairy products are heated too quickly or at too high of a temperature, they can separate and create a curdled texture. To prevent this, try heating the mixture on low heat and stirring constantly until it's warmed through.If you're still feeling unsure about making the recipe for your show, you could try practicing it a few more times at home to get the timing and temperature just right. Or, you could also try a different carbonara recipe altogether. There are plenty out there that might work better for you. Good luck!

 

[sharalam]

Hi there! I'm sorry to hear that you had some issues with the Easy Pasta Carbonara recipe. As a fellow consultant, I have made this recipe several times and have some tips that may help.1) The cooking time can vary depending on the type of pasta you use. I recommend using a good quality pasta that cooks in 12-14 minutes. Also, make sure to follow the package instructions for al dente pasta. If you find that the pasta is still too chewy, you can cook it for a few more minutes or add a little more water to the pot.2) It's important to keep an eye on the broth/evaporated milk mixture and make sure it doesn't come to a boil. This can cause it to curdle and affect the texture of the sauce. If you do see it start to boil, immediately remove it from the heat and let it cool down before adding it to the pasta.To prevent these issues in the future, I recommend using a timer for the pasta and keeping a close eye on the broth/milk mixture. Also, make sure to use a good quality broth and evaporated milk to ensure the best results.I hope these tips help and that your next batch of Easy Pasta Carbonara turns out perfectly. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. Happy cooking!