Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
A dish fit for Vatican nobles and Roman elites, Papalina Romana is a luxurious variation of Carbonara, said to have been created for Pope Pius XII in the early 20th century. 🇮🇹✨ This dish elevates traditional pasta by incorporating buttery prosciutto, creamy egg yolks, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and a hint of nutmeg, creating a silky, indulgent sauce. Unlike Carbonara, Papalina Romana uses cream, making it an elegant fusion of rich and refined flavors! 🍽️🔥
Ingredients For Papalina Romana
🔥 For the Pasta & Sauce:
☑ 12 oz fettuccine or spaghetti 🍝
☑ 2 tablespoons🥄 butter 🧈
☑ 4 oz prosciutto, finely chopped 🥓
☑ ½ small onion, finely diced 🧅
☑ ½ cup heavy cream 🥛
☑ 2 large egg yolks 🥚
☑ ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano 🧀
☑ ½ teaspoon🥄 black pepper 🌶
☑ ¼ teaspoon🥄 nutmeg ✨
🔥 For Garnish & Serving:
☑ Extra Parmigiano-Reggiano 🧀
☑ Freshly cracked black pepper 🌿
👩🍳 Cooking Steps For Papalina Romana
🔥 Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1️⃣ Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2️⃣ Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
🔥 Step 2: Sauté the Prosciutto & Onion
1️⃣ In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions until soft.
2️⃣ Add prosciutto and cook for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
🔥 Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper, and nutmeg.
2️⃣ Remove the pan from heat and stir in the egg mixture, using the residual heat to create a silky sauce.
3️⃣ Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
🔥 Step 4: Toss & Serve
1️⃣ Toss the hot pasta in the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated.
2️⃣ Serve immediately with extra Parmigiano and black pepper!
Papalina Romana: A Dish of Elegance & Tradition! 🍝🔥
This creamy, indulgent pasta brings a taste of Roman nobility to your table! Whether you love rich, historical flavors or want to experience a luxurious take on classic pasta, Papalina Romana is a must-try!
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Jhal Muri: Kolkata’s Iconic Spicy Puffed Rice Snack! You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
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