Name: Carbonara Risotto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio Rice (You can use Carnaroli or sushi rice if needed.); 4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth (Keep it warm over low heat during cooking.); 4 oz Pancetta or Bacon, Diced (Use crispy pancetta or bacon for best results.); 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated cheese preferred for the best flavor.); 1/2 cup Onion, Finely Chopped (Yellow onions work best for balance of sweetness.); 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced (Adjust amount to taste.); 2 Large Eggs (Use large eggs for best results.); Salt and Pepper to Taste (Season in increments while tasting.); Fresh Parsley, Chopped (For garnish.)

This creamy Carbonara Risotto comes together in about 30 minutes and uses just one pot for a quick and easy dinner that your family will love! The best part is, you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. How amazing is that?

Ingredient Breakdown

1 cup Arborio Rice
4 cups Chicken or Vegetable Broth
4 oz Pancetta or Bacon, Diced
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup Onion, Finely Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
2 Large Eggs
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Fresh Parsley, Chopped (for Garnish)

How to Make Carbonara Risotto

Warm the Broth: In a saucepan, heat the chicken or vegetable broth over low heat. Keep it warm throughout the cooking process, as it helps the rice cook evenly.
Cook the Pancetta: In a large, deep skillet, cook the pancetta (or bacon) over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once they’re golden and fragrant, remove them from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pan with all that delicious fat, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Seriously, it smells divine at this point!
Toast the Rice: Sprinkle in the Arborio rice and toast it for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want it to look slightly translucent. This step boosts the nuttiness of the rice trust me, it’s worth it!
Gradually Add Broth: Start adding the warm broth, one ladle at a time, while stirring constantly. Wait for the rice to absorb most of the liquid before adding more. This process should take around 18-20 minutes until the rice is al dente and all creamy!
Remove from Heat: Once the rice has absorbed all the broth and is cooked through, remove the pan from heat.
Whisk Together Eggs and Cheese: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese. This creamy mixture will be folded into the risotto, adding richness.
Combine Everything: Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture into the risotto, stirring rapidly to combine. The heat of the rice will gently cook the eggs, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
Add Crispy Pancetta: Fold in the cooked pancetta, and don’t forget to season with a couple pinches of salt and pepper to taste. You want everything to be well-seasoned, so give it a taste!
Garnish and Serve: Serve the risotto hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Why I Love This Recipe

This Carbonara Risotto is truly my go-to recipe when I need something comforting and quick during a busy weeknight. I’m a real sucker for creamy comfort foods, and there’s something so satisfying about stirring that rice, watching it become rich and creamy right before my eyes. The best part is, this dish is so versatile, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, whether that’s leftover veggies or an extra handful of cheese kicking around in the fridge. It’s really all about making it your own, and I just love that!

If you loved this Carbonara Risotto, be sure to check out my Broccoli and Cheese Risotto, my Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo, or my Baked Salmon with Dill Sauce!

Why This Recipe Works

Quick & Easy

This risotto comes together all in one pot and is ready in under 30 minutes. No complicated steps here! Just cozy, creamy goodness for your family.

Comfort Food

It’s loaded with tons of flavor and richness that warms your soul. Seriously, the combination of pancetta, cheese, and creamy rice is just amazing and makes you feel like you’re getting a big, warm hug.

Customizable

Got some leftover veggies? Toss them in! Want a different protein? Go ahead and use chicken or even shrimp. You can easily switch it up based on what you have and what you love!

Minimal Cleanup Required

Since it all cooks up in one pot, you won’t be left with a mountain of dishes. Just the skillet and a few utensils less mess, more joy!

Family Favorite

The whole family will love this dish! It’s a perfect weeknight meal that even my picky eater can’t resist. Every time I make it, my kids ask for seconds, and that means a lot in our household!

Serving and Storage Tips

What to Serve With This

Carbonara Risotto pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. A glass of white wine doesn’t hurt either if you’re feeling fancy!

How Long It Keeps

If you have any leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, simply add a bit of broth or water to the risotto and warm it up on low heat, stirring frequently until heated through. You may need to add a drizzle more of Parmesan for that fresh creaminess!

Is it Freezer Friendly?

While this risotto is best enjoyed fresh, you could freeze it. Just know the texture might not be as creamy once thawed. If you’re planning ahead, freeze it in portion-sized containers for easy weeknight meals.

Food really is about bringing people together, isn’t it? And this Carbonara Risotto does just that. I hope you give this recipe a try, it’s definitely one you’ll keep coming back to again and again. Trust me; it’s a showstopper! Enjoy the creamy deliciousness and happy cooking! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration.