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David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe (Copycat)

by Jolina 69 Comments [This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.]

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Do you watch Criminal Minds? Then you’re in for a treat. This is based on David Rossi’s carbonara recipe!

(Do you love recipes based on books and movies? You will love this Treacle Tart – Harry Potter’s Favourite!)

David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe

Remember that episode where Rossi had the team over at his house and taught them how to cook carbonara (how geeky do I sound right now)?

I’ve always wanted to make that and after a significant amount of searching I found a recipe in a French fan page that they claimed was from Joe Mantegna himself (yes, I may have too much time on my hands).

I’ve since tweaked it here and there and it is fabulous! No cream, just eggs, pancetta and lotsa cheese. And guess what else? I cooked it! Not Red, me. (Ok, I may have had some help with chopping, slicing and such.)

It’s practically the only thing I can cook (insert: big proud smile right here). So let’s step into the world of BAU for a moment and bask in the deliciousness that is this carbonara.

How do you make traditional carbonara sauce?

I grew up eating creamy carbonara. And by that I mean carbonara made with cream. I only recently found out that this is very, very wrong.

Traditional carbonara has no drop of cream in it. So what makes it so creamy?

Are eggs in carbonara cooked?

David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe

Egg yolks (and not cream) are what make traditional carbonara dreamy and creamy. You guys know I have raw egg issues (check out my Eggless Key Lime Pie and my Eggless Tiramisu) so I can understand your hesitation.

The first few times I made this I ended up scrambling the eggs; I was so eager to pour the eggs into the hot pan and let them sit a little to cook.

What I’ve found is the residual heat from the pasta/pan will cook them so have no fear. And you shouldn’t let the egg mixture sit at all; you need to quickly toss the pasta so the egg mixture coats everything and doesn’t turn into a scrambled mess.

How to make creamy carbonara

Also, don’t throw away the pasta water. I did the first time – I know, rookie mistake.

What you want to do is pour about a quarter cup into your pasta, continue mixing until you get the creaminess you want (not too much though, we don’t want it soupy).

Related: Sweet and Salty Filipino-Style Spaghetti

David Rossi’s carbonara recipe

David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe

Once you’ve done that you’ll have this amazing dish that’s so quick to prepare it’s perfect for those busy weeknights. It’s so good too it’s great for when you have company over.

Hope you give it a try, whether you’re a fan of Criminal Minds or not (this past season was weird TBH). It is awesome and hey, if I can cook it you absolutely most definitely can!

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Related: How to Take Delicious Food Photos

 

David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe

David Rossi’s Carbonara Recipe (Copycat)

Author: Jolina
Are you a Criminal Minds fan? This is based on David Rossi’s carbonara recipe from that episode where he had the team over and gave them cooking lessons!
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 people
Calories 515 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 lb pasta you can use your favourite pasta: spaghetti, fettuccine, linguine or bucatini
  • 1/2 lb pancetta diced
  • 1 cup chopped onions
  • olive oil for frying
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
  • 4 pcs egg yolks from large eggs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped parsley for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cook 1 pound pasta until al dente. While that's cooking, in a large pan on medium heat cook 1/2 pound diced pancetta and 1 cup chopped onions in olive oil until pancetta is browned and onions are soft.
  • Combine your cheese then pour half of it with your 4 egg yolks. Beat lightly until combined.
  • At this point your pasta and pancetta should be ready. Drain the pasta (reserve some of the pasta water) and transfer into your pan. Remove from heat.
  • Pour your egg mixture into the pan and toss the pasta until coated. Pour about 1/4 cup pasta water in your pan and continue tossing until you get the creaminess you want. If you need to put more pasta water, do so a little at a time so your pasta doesn't get too runny.
  • Add the rest of your cheese and toss some more. Season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve with chopped parsley.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 515kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 489mgPotassium: 297mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 125IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 211mgIron: 1.3mg

Nutritional information are estimates only.

Keyword Authentic, Easy, TV Recipe
Tried this recipe?Tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I'd love to see your creations!

Happy cooking!

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Filed Under: Recipes, Savoury

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alana Talley says

    May 1, 2020 at 10:27 pm

    Hey if I were to add peas to this how much would I add

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      May 7, 2020 at 9:00 am

      Hi! Haven’t tried it with peas so I don’t know. Maybe others have so hopefully you’ll get some feedback here.

      Reply
  2. Kelly Bergeson says

    April 7, 2020 at 3:38 am

    This looks yummy. I’m just wondering if you can make this a crockpot recipe. I need something that will last a few days. If you can, how would it be done.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      April 8, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Hi Kelly! I haven’t tried this in a crockpot so I can’t say for sure. I’m posting your question maybe other readers have tried and can give you insight.

      Reply
  3. Didi says

    October 17, 2019 at 4:26 pm

    5 stars
    I’m a big fan of criminal minds too and I know exactly the episode where they made this carbonara. While I’m not sure what that tasted like, this is DELICIOUS. And it’s nice to pretend david rossie was the one who made it for me!!! It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals. Thank you Jolina.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      October 17, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      Hello fellow fan! 🙂 You’re most welcome, happy to hear you liked it.

      Reply
  4. Imgoog says

    July 24, 2017 at 5:31 am

    Thank you for sharing the recipe! Gonna try it soon.

    Reply
  5. MEGAN MCDUFFIE says

    June 11, 2017 at 10:34 pm

    Carbonara is one of our favorite weeknight meals. I’ve always made it with bacon, but using pancetta is a great idea! Looking forward to trying it out.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 17, 2017 at 11:37 pm

      Hi Megan! Pancetta is so flavourful, we didn’t even need to add any salt. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

      Reply
  6. Jenny says

    June 11, 2017 at 4:58 pm

    In our house, carbanora is the responsibility of my better half! I will pass this recipe on to him.. it looks delicious. Pure comfort food!

    Reply
  7. Julia says

    June 10, 2017 at 8:00 am

    I used to watch Criminal Minds but then it got a little too twisted and violent for me and I stopped a few years ago. This pasta looks really good!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 17, 2017 at 11:39 pm

      I guess it’s not for everyone 🙂 I guess I’ve always secretly wanted to be a spy or an agent LOL. The carbonara is awesome though! Hope you try it!

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth says

    June 7, 2017 at 3:12 pm

    I love Carbonara and this looks like a great straight-forward recipe. Can’t wait to try it!

    Reply
  9. Supriya Kutty says

    June 7, 2017 at 6:26 am

    This looks like a delicious carbonara recipe to try! I will make this weekend for dinner one night. Sounds and looks yummy!

    Reply
  10. Marielle Altenor says

    June 7, 2017 at 3:28 am

    Oh yum! I’m only made carbonara once and that was years ago. I need to make this recipe! Looks soo delicious.

    Reply
  11. Robin says

    June 7, 2017 at 12:14 am

    Simple and easy to make definitely another winner. The pancetta and cheese makes it so flavourful. I can’t wait to make this. Btw, good luck on your next cooking adventure:)

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 7, 2017 at 10:57 pm

      Aw thanks Robin! You certainly can’t go wrong with cheese and pancetta eh? 🙂 Hope you’re having a fabulous week!

      Reply
  12. Tami says

    June 6, 2017 at 8:04 pm

    I don’t think I’ve ever eaten pancetta. I will definitely be making this dish this week for my family.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:44 pm

      Hi Tami! Pancetta is the Italian version of bacon and like bacon, it makes everything better! 🙂 Hope you guys like it.

      Reply
  13. Kristen says

    June 6, 2017 at 3:44 pm

    Now this looks delish! I never can find the right consistency for my carbonara, but this one really looks like a winner!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:46 pm

      Thanks! And I know what you mean about the consistency, can’t be too thick or too runny. I think quickly tossing and coating the pasta with eggs then gradually adding in pasta water should do the trick 🙂

      Reply
  14. Aldous H. says

    June 6, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Bob’s Burgers burgers please!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:47 pm

      Hahaha now wouldn’t that be fun! 🙂

      Reply
  15. Helen says

    June 6, 2017 at 2:59 pm

    Haha, I’m not a fan of Criminal Minds but like that you pulled a recipe from a character in show. More people should do this! Nice post.

    Reply
  16. Candice says

    June 6, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Mmmm these would be good birthday noodles! Carbonara is a favorite of mine as well, simple and decadent. The first time I read about carbonara was in Ruth Riechel’s book and she called it her hangover cure ha ha!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:58 pm

      I can understand how this is an awesome hangover cure lol! And yes I love how simple it is…so few ingredients I was first afraid it would taste really bland but it is anything but 🙂

      Reply
  17. Sharon says

    June 6, 2017 at 1:51 pm

    This looks so delicious! Love this amazing photo. My family loves a good yummy pasta and I’ll be making this for dinner. They’re going to love it.

    Reply
  18. Gillian says

    June 6, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    I am a huge Criminal Minds fan. Wouldn’t it be fun to go to Dave’s place and drink wine? I have had 2 Italian students who taught me how to make carbonara. I always though it used cream but no! This dish is so delicious!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 10:03 pm

      Hello fellow fan! I’d love to just hang out and chill in his backyard too, which looks massive. And I thought carbonara had cream as well (that’s how my mom always made it I wonder how she feels about this haha).

      Reply
  19. Catherine says

    June 6, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    5 stars
    I absolutely LOVE that show! I love this recipe too! What a fun and delicious dish!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 10:04 pm

      It was so much fun recreating it! I’ve been a fan for a while so I was totally geeking out lol!

      Reply
  20. Lacee says

    June 6, 2017 at 12:17 pm

    I have attempted a similar recipe, but I also scrambled the eggs. 🙁 I will have to try again!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 10:06 pm

      Hi Lacee! When that happened to me, we ate it anyway. It was still delicious, albeit a little dry. Hope you try this one. Good luck!

      Reply
  21. Jeni says

    June 6, 2017 at 11:37 am

    ha! I love eggs, lol, I can’t imagine being turned off by them but I know many people are. This carbonara looks so delish! And easy too!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 10:07 pm

      Hi Jeni! We love eggs too, I just don’t *love* raw ones haha.

      Reply
  22. Karyl says

    June 6, 2017 at 9:46 am

    OMG I am obsessed with Criminal Minds! I almost stopped watching when Morgan left and they fired Hotch…I’m holding out hope that Morgan comes back though 🙂 I cried like a baby on his last full episode. I love that you created Rossi’s recipe!! I’m going to have to try this one for sure

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:46 pm

      I know, I miss his baby girl lines lol. He’s the only person who can pull that off without being creepy haha!! Hope you enjoy this carbonara as much as we do. Bye for now…wheels up in 30.

      Reply
  23. Danielle says

    June 6, 2017 at 8:39 am

    I love carbonara and you’ve made it sound so easy! I’m always worried that I will scramble the eggs too 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:48 pm

      Hi Danielle! Lemme tell you, even when I scrambled the eggs it was still delicious and we still ate it lol. It was a delicious mistake I must say. Hope you try the recipe!

      Reply
  24. Whitney says

    June 5, 2017 at 10:19 pm

    Looks yummy!

    Reply
  25. lisa says

    June 5, 2017 at 9:47 pm

    Pasta is my spirit animal when it comes to food. I love a great carbonara and will have to give this a try soon and see what the family thinks!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:48 pm

      Love that, spirit animal 🙂 Hope you and the family like it!

      Reply
  26. Tonya Wilhelm says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    This pasta looks amazing. I have to admit, scrolling down, those desserts look really good too!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:49 pm

      Aw thanks Tonya! I’m in fact more of a desserts girl with a sprinkling of savoury 🙂

      Reply
  27. Marissa Zurfluh says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:35 pm

    Oh Yum! This looks amazing!

    Reply
  28. Andrea Broom says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:22 pm

    this looks very tasty, one of my favorite pastas ever, love how it is creamy, rich and still not drowned in sauce. good parmesan really does make a big difference. thanks for sharing

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:51 pm

      I absolutely agree! Good cheese makes all the difference. We got hold of this amazing Pecorino Romano from our local cheese shop too which made this carbonara out of this world delicious.

      Reply
  29. Heather says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:08 pm

    Oh yes this looks like the ultimate in comfort food. Can’t wait to make it for my fam.

    Reply
  30. Saidah Washington says

    June 5, 2017 at 7:06 pm

    I loved that episode. Now all of my favorite Criminal Minds characters are gone. So sad.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 9:56 pm

      Oh I know. It kinda feels like when Grissom left CSI, though I’m liking the new characters they’re introducing every season. In any case, we’ll always have carbonara! 🙂

      Reply
  31. Maureen says

    June 5, 2017 at 6:40 pm

    This looks like a delicious carbonara recipe to try! I will certainly be making up this week for dinner one night. Sounds and looks yummy!

    Reply
  32. Dominique says

    June 5, 2017 at 6:29 pm

    OMG Carbonara is one of my biggest weaknesses! This looks SOO good. I didn’t realize one should only use egg yolk, thanks for the tip!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:52 pm

      Hi Dominique! Some recipes say use the whole egg but I think egg yolks make it that much more creamier 🙂

      Reply
  33. Mindy says

    June 5, 2017 at 6:20 pm

    This looks very good! I like the use of pancetta I think it would give very good flavor. I get nervous about raw eggs as well but now maybe I feel a little better that they cook!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:54 pm

      Hi Mindy! Pancetta is the bomb. It’s like bacon but better (can you imagine lol!). And trust me, someone who has crazy raw egg issues, you should be ok 🙂

      Reply
  34. Carola says

    June 5, 2017 at 5:42 pm

    Carbonara is great. I always love eating this. But I rarely make it myself. This recipe males me think again. Especially because it’s easy and I can use it for busy weeknights!

    Reply
  35. Juli Purcell says

    June 5, 2017 at 5:39 pm

    I don’t watch Criminal Minds, however now I want to! This sounds and looks soooo good!!!!

    Reply
  36. Jana says

    June 5, 2017 at 5:24 pm

    Looks so good, makes me dread the frozen alfredo pasta I’ll be having for dinner tonight! will have to try this out this weekend.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:57 pm

      LOL! I’m sure you can dress it up 🙂 Do try making this carbonara from scratch, it’s quite delightful.

      Reply
  37. Carrie says

    June 5, 2017 at 2:50 pm

    I’ve always thrown out my pasta water. Now, I know!

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 6, 2017 at 11:58 pm

      I know right?! I didn’t know they’re useful too. Now we’re going to be master pasta cooks watch out world 🙂 Thanks Carrie!

      Reply
  38. Maria says

    June 5, 2017 at 1:26 pm

    this is such a classic italian meal. I have not made it in a while, need to make it this week.

    Reply
  39. Rachel Teodoro says

    June 5, 2017 at 12:21 pm

    I’ve not made this before but would love to add it to my dinner list this week.

    Reply
  40. christine says

    June 5, 2017 at 12:14 pm

    I’m a big fan of Criminal Minds but I can’t for the life of me remember this. Either way, I love carbonara and this looks delish.

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 7, 2017 at 12:03 am

      Hi Christine. I had to google that episode and what do you know, it’s on YouTube (why did I doubt it lol!). Here’s the link if you want to have a look (no affiliation to the account BTW!) – https://youtu.be/CyWnNZmtzJg

      Reply
  41. robin rue says

    June 5, 2017 at 11:53 am

    I don’t watch this show, but I still want to try this recipe! It sounds amazing delicious! My family will love it.

    Reply
  42. Dawn says

    June 5, 2017 at 10:11 am

    High five to you girl for putting out a WICKED recipe! I LOVES me some carbonara. Seriously. So good. I mean, pasta, pancetta…..what’s not to love? I could eat my weight in that. I watched a few episodes of Criminal Minds, but never really got into it, but had I know there was an episode talking about food I would have continued to watch, lol. Pinning this beauty and making soon 🙂

    Reply
    • Jolina says

      June 7, 2017 at 12:06 am

      High five! What’s not to love right? I mean, just all the cheeses 🙂 I actually got into the series late somewhat so I binge watched (as you know I am prone to do lol) the first 2 seasons or something. I was hooked! Thanks for the pin!

      Reply

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