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    Home » Pasta

    7 Carbonara Twists Worth Trying at Least Once

    Published: Jun 9, 2026 by Emmeline Kemperyd · post_comments]

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    Carbonara is a classic Italian dish that many people love, and on april 6th we celebrate it with National Carbonara Day. While the classic is utterly delicious, there are also so many creative twists on the traditional recipe that you might not have tried yet. From adding unexpected ingredients to changing up the type of pasta, these seven versions offer a fresh take on the beloved favorite. Whether you're a fan of seafood, cheese, or unique flavors, there's a carbonara variation here for everyone.

    Beef Carbonara

    Beef Carbonara.
    Photo Credit: Chocolates & Chai.

    Beef Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish that's sure to please everyone at the table. It's a quick and satisfying meal that's perfect for busy nights.

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    One Pot Carbonara

    Carbonara.
    Photo credit: Num's the Word.

    This dish is a dream for pasta lovers and is super easy to clean up afterward. It's a simple yet delicious meal that you can enjoy any night of the week.

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    Crème Fraîche Carbonara

    Fake carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is packed with even more flavor than the traditional recipe. It's a delicious twist that you'll want to try.

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    Shrimp Carbonara

    Shrimp carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    Shrimp Carbonara is a quick and tasty take on the classic Italian pasta dish. It combines the creamy goodness of traditional Carbonara with succulent shrimp, offering a satisfying mix of seafood and pasta that's easy to prepare.

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    Traditional Carbonara with Guanciale

    Bucatini carbonara on a plate.
    Photo Credit: Casual Epicure.

    Pasta Carbonara with Guanciale is a traditional dish from Rome that features crispy guanciale mixed with pasta in a rich sauce made from eggs and Parmigiano Reggiano. It's a simple yet satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

    Get the recipe

    Halloumi Carbonara

    A bowl of halloumi carbonara.
    Image credit: Hey Nutrition Lady.

    A vegetarian twist on carbonara uses halloumi in place of bacon or guanciale. This dish offers a delicious alternative for anyone looking to enjoy a classic pasta meal without meat.

    Get the recipe

    Tortellini Carbonara

    Tortellini carbonara.
    Photo credit: always use butter.

    This version of carbonara is simple to prepare and uses everyday ingredients you can easily find at any grocery store. It's a great option for a quick meal that still feels special.

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    About Emmeline Kemperyd

    Emmeline Kemperyd is a writer, food blogger, recipe creator and food photographer and the founder of alwaysusebutter.com. She has 20+ years experience creating and simplifying recipes so they taste good, and are quick, easy, and approachable. She is a regular contributor to MSN and her work has been featured by The Guardian, Well+Good, Vulture, SheKnows, Good Men Project, and The Feed Feed, among others.

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