How to Reheat Carbonara

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Craving some creamy leftover carbonara but not sure how to reheat carbonara without losing its deliciousness or drying it out? I don’t think anything is more satisfying than a big plate of leftover pasta the next day when it’s reheated the right way!

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I’ve got a guide for you to enjoy a hot and tasty plate of reheated leftovers even after this delicious Italian dish has been sitting in the fridge. These various methods are easy and foolproof and will have you saying goodbye to soggy pasta and hello to a mouthwatering leftover Italian meal!

Pasta dishes can be reheated in several different ways! For best results, the main thing to focus on is not letting the dish get dried out. Leftover pasta carbonara should still have a creamy texture when reheated.

Depending on the carbonara recipe’s ingredients, you may need to add a little something to the spaghetti carbonara to keep it creamy. As you reheat, if the pasta starts to look dry, add a little splash of broth, water, heavy cream and/or a tab of butter to improve the consistency of the sauce.

Start with a very small amount and add more if needed. If the pasta looks greasy, skip the butter. You can also add a little parmesan cheese once the pasta is reheated to make it even creamier.

The best reheating method for carbonara is in a pot or skillet on the stovetop over low heat, but you can choose the best way for you from these different methods! Here are some great options:

Stovetop Method

Heat a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil or butter in a pot on the stove over low to medium heat.
Add the carbonara to the pot along with a splash of cream, broth, or water to help preserve the moisture.
Heat for around 5 minutes, stirring often to move the pasta around and heat it evenly.
Once heated, use tongs or a spoon to remove.
Serve and enjoy!

Microwave Method

This is a good option for reheating just a small bowl of carbonara.

Place the carbonara pasta in a microwave-safe bowl.
Add a small amount of water or chicken/vegetable broth to the bowl to prevent the dish from drying out. (don’t worry, this won’t make your dish watery, you’ll still have that creamy sauce)
Cover the bowl with a damp paper towel or microwave-safe lid.
Microwave on high for 1 minute intervals, stirring in between, until the pasta is heated through.
Be careful when removing the bowl from the microwave because it may be hot.
Serve and enjoy!

Oven Method

Oven reheating is great for reheating large portions of carbonara.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Place the carbonara pasta in an oven-safe dish along with some broth, cream, or water. (How much will depend on how much pasta you are reheating.) Stir.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out.
Place the dish in the oven and let it heat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the amount of pasta.
Check the temperature, stir, and if necessary, continue heating for an additional 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Skillet Method

Heat a non-stick pan on low heat, or medium heat at most (gentle heat is the best option for preventing sticking).
Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to the large skillet.
Once the oil/butter is hot, add the carbonara pasta and spread it evenly on the skillet.
Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is heated through.
Serve and enjoy!