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
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta until al dente, then reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Prosciutto & Onion In a pan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté onions until soft. Add prosciutto and cook for 2 minutes until slightly crisp.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, heavy cream, Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper, and nutmeg. Remove the pan from heat and stir in the egg mixture, using the residual heat to create a silky sauce.
Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 4: Toss & Serve Toss the hot pasta in the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. 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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