Pasta carbonara is an ultimate Italian dish originating from the Rome region, Italy. The authentic recipe typically calls for diced cured pork (pancetta or bacon), egg yolks, hard cheese (Parmesan or Pecorino Romano), and black pepper. Meanwhile, non-traditional recipes may use heavy cream to thicken the sauce.
This simple pasta dish is cheesy, creamy, and packed with amazing flavors. Of course, enjoying it warm, straight off the pan would be the most ideal and perfect situation.
Suppose you made a large portion and have some leftovers. In that case, you should know the proper method to reheat carbonara to savor the original flavors!
The best reheating pasta carbonara technique would be in the skillet. But, your microwave can also be an option if you’re in a hurry. Keep reading to learn the detailed instructions!
Can You Reheat Carbonara?
Aside from preserving the al dente texture, the delicate nature of carbonara sauce is another issue with reheating leftovers.
As you’ve probably known, the egg yolk is only mildly cooked to form an emulsion. Hence, the sauce is creamy, rich, and thick. Thus, we don’t want to overcook the sauce and end up with scrambled eggs.
Another thing to point out with reheating leftovers, make sure that the dish is thoroughly heated up to 165 °F to kill off any harmful bacteria that can make you sick.
How to Heat Up Carbonara on The Stove
Reheating spaghetti carbonara in a skillet may take more time and effort than just popping the pasta dish into the microwave. But, this technique is the secret key to preserve the delicate texture of the sauce and the pasta.
If you are reheating frozen carbonara, you’ll need to thaw it at room temperature first and then apply the steps below.
Here is how to heat up leftover carbonara on a stovetop:
1. Take the leftover pasta out of the fridge and let it stand at room temperature for several minutes.
2. On a non-stick pan, add a drizzle of olive oil. A non-stick pan is highly recommended to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Turn on the stove on medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the pasta and stir it constantly for about 5 minutes. Feel free to add some cream or full-fat milk if the pasta looks dry. Don’t forget to season if you add extra liquid.
4. When the dish is thoroughly heated, remove it from the pan immediately to prevent overcooking.
5. Sprinkle grated parmesan and chopped parsley. Enjoy while still warm!
How to Reheat Carbonara In The Microwave
Reheating leftover carbonara in the microwave might not be the most ideal solution. It won’t work as perfectly as the stovetop method because the fine texture will be compromised. Despite the downside, it is your best bet if you need a quick meal.
Here is the easy, straightforward way to warm up leftover carbonara in a microwave.
1. Bring the leftover pasta to room temperature for about 5 minutes.
2. Place the dish in a suitable microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle some olive oil if the noodles look a little dry. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover loosely with plastic wrap or a damp paper towel.
4. Microwave for 1 to 1 ½ minutes over medium power. Check whether it is uniformly reheated. If not, return to the microwave and reheat a little longer.
4. Once thoroughly warmed up, take it out of the microwave. Sprinkle grated cheese, and it’s ready to serve!
FAQs
Can carbonara be eaten the next day?
Yes. As long as it is promptly refrigerated in a sealed container. The pasta dish reheats quite well on the stovetop. Check our tips above to heat up some leftovers and preserve their rich flavors.
How long does leftover carbonara last?
Properly packed and refrigerated, it will last for 3 to 4 days. However, the dish tends to dry out the longer it sits in the fridge. It is best to reheat and consume as soon as possible rather than saving it until the last minute.
Can you eat carbonara cold?
As long as the dish has been appropriately refrigerated at 40 °F within 1 to 2 hours after cooking and you’re eating the pasta within a timely manner (3 to 4 days), it should be fine to eat cold.
Can you reheat carbonara twice?
Ideally, leftovers should only be reheated only once to maintain quality and safety. Keep in mind that overheating the dish will turn the pasta mushy. (*)
How do you know if carbonara has gone bad?
You can determine whether your leftovers have spoiled by a quick assessment of their look and smell. Check for the presence of molds, slimy texture, or signs of discoloration.
If it smells rotting or off, it’s also an obvious sign that the dish is no longer safe to eat. If that’s the case, no need to taste it and discard it immediately.
In A Nutshell
In short, carbonara is best served warm, right off the pan. In case you have leftovers, of course, you can always reheat them. The best technique is reheating pasta on a stovetop, while your microwave should be the last option.
Reheated carbonara might not taste as divine as freshly prepared one. But, it is still better than throwing away the good stuff. Follow our simple techniques of reheating the classic dish to preserve its delicate texture and rich flavors!
Rosa graduated with a master degree in Food Safety from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands. Recently, she started a consulting agency to facilitate the improvement of food safety, quality, and sustainability.
