Gluten-Free Ham Carbonara Pasta Made Easy

This easy, gluten-free ham carbonara is a quick and flavorful dinner option with minimal effort.

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What is Carbonara?

A carbonara is a simple pasta dish with few ingredients that creates a magical outcome. Originating possibly from Umbria, Italy, around 1931, early versions used whipped eggs and pork fat. The term "carbonara" first appeared in a 1950 issue of "La Stampa," and since then, numerous variations have emerged.

Traditional carbonara is made with eggs, hard cheese, black pepper, and cured pork, typically using pecorino romano or parmigiana cheese. For this recipe, only parmigiana cheese is used to avoid excess salt, as the meat provides enough saltiness.

Jump to:

• What is Carbonara?
• Why You'll Love This
• Ham Carbonara
• What Type of Ham to Use
• Ingredients
• Substitutions & Variations
• Equipment
• Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Expert Tips
• Storage
• When to Serve and What to Pair With
• Other Ham Recipes
• Gluten-Free Ham Carbonara

Why You'll Love This

Who doesn't love a restaurant-quality pasta dish at home? This gluten-free carbonara with crispy ham is easy to make and perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Cozy, filling, and delicious, it’s a hit whether for Christmas Eve or a rainy night. Leftovers remain creamy and flavorful thanks to the ham and cheese. This carbonara is more than just a pasta dish—it's comfort in a bowl that everyone will love.

Ham Carbonara

Carbonara traditionally uses guanciale, a fatty, flavorful pork from the pig’s jowl. Since guanciale can be hard to find, we'll use ham instead. Ham provides similar pork flavors but is leaner and more meaty!

What Type of Ham to Use

When choosing store-bought ham, opt for a thick cut like ham steaks, to enhance the flavor of the pasta dish.

If you want to make homemade ham, I offer an easy fool-proof ham recipe that guarantees a juicy result and allows you to control the flavor.

Ingredients

This recipe uses just a few ingredients but delivers a highly flavorful pasta dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Gluten-free spaghetti: The key ingredient. Finding a good gluten-free option is crucial for the dish’s success.
• Pasta water: Reserve some to enhance the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
• Large eggs: Essential for binding the cheese mixture and creating the base of the sauce.
• Egg yolks: Use for a richer flavor in the pasta.
• Parmigiano reggiano, freshly grated: Adds a crucial layer of flavor to complement the ham.
• Pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and prevents the dish from being too bland.
• Ham: The main flavor booster, adding depth and richness to the pasta.

See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements!

Substitutions & Variations

If you're missing ingredients or want to make adjustments, here are some tips:

• Pasta Noodles: Carbonara works with various pasta types, so use what you prefer.
• Swapping Cheese: Use pecorino romano instead of parmigiana reggiano if you prefer a saltier taste.

This recipe has only been tested with the listed substitutions. Any other ingredient changes may affect the results.

Instructions

First, bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the box instructions for al dente results. Overcooked pasta will affect the taste.

Second, before straining, reserve at least a third cup of pasta water. This "liquid gold" helps the sauce achieve the right consistency and cling better to the noodles. Set the pasta water aside to cool, and do not rinse the pasta to retain the starch needed for the sauce.

Third, prepare the egg and cheese mixture, which acts as the "sauce" for the carbonara. Separate two large eggs and two egg yolks, whisking them together. Add one-third cup of cheese and a teaspoon of pepper, whisking until thick and resembling scrambled eggs.

Remember, do not add the pasta water yet; it must cool to room temperature to avoid cooking the eggs.

Fourth, slice the ham into 1.5" pieces. Melt unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-high heat to prevent burning. Add the sliced ham and cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until crispy and evenly cooked.

Season with a dash of pepper and salt. Stir and cook for an additional three minutes, then turn off the heat. The ham should be crispy with some fat remaining in the pot. Do not drain the fat, as it will coat the pasta.

To Conclude...

Now, combine all the ingredients. Start by adding the cooked pasta to the pot with ham, tossing it to absorb the ham fat and butter, infusing the pasta with flavor.

Next, slowly pour the cooled pasta water into the bowl with the egg mixture while whisking to integrate. Use a spatula to gently fold the pasta into the egg, cheese, and water mixture. Then, only use a third cup of reserved pasta water and combine with pasta and sauce.

Finally, add the remaining cheese and a dash of pepper, tossing to combine.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is great on its own but pairs well with a glass of white wine and gluten-free bread. It's perfect for both large gatherings and intimate dinners, offering flexibility for any occasion.

Expert Tips

Many GF pasta brands overcook quickly and become mushy. After extensive testing, DeLallo Gluten-Free Spaghetti proved to be the best. Made with whole grain brown rice, it maintains its texture and flavor similar to traditional pasta, and it holds up well when reheated.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to a week. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of butter for a creamier texture.

When to Serve and What to Pair With

This ham carbonara is a fantastic dinner dish with many great pairing options!

Other Ham Recipes

If you cook a ham from scratch, you'll need ideas for using the leftovers!