Silly Cake Pasta Carbonara Tower (Printable Version)

Creamy spaghetti carbonara stacked tall with playful cake garnish, perfect for entertaining with creative presentation.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta & Sauce

01 - 12 oz spaghetti
02 - 5 oz pancetta or unsmoked bacon, diced
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 3 oz Parmesan cheese, finely grated
05 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
06 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Whimsical Cake Garnish

09 - 4 tablespoons whipped cream cheese or mascarpone
10 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped chives, plus extra for garnish
11 - 2 tablespoons colored bell peppers, finely diced
12 - 1 tablespoon rainbow sprinkles (optional, for a playful touch)
13 - Edible flowers or microgreens, for decoration

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Cook diced pancetta until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan, heavy cream (if using), a pinch of salt, and generous black pepper.
04 - Return drained spaghetti to the pot, removed from heat. Add egg-cheese mixture, stirring quickly and vigorously to evenly coat the pasta. Blend in reserved pasta water a little at a time for desired creaminess.
05 - Mix in cooked pancetta and unsalted butter until the butter melts and pasta appears glossy.
06 - Place a clean cylindrical food mold or tin can on a serving plate. Twirl one-fourth of the pasta into the mold and press gently to shape a tower. Carefully remove the mold.
07 - In a small bowl, combine whipped cream cheese and chopped chives. Spread a dollop on each pasta tower as the 'icing.'
08 - Sprinkle towers with diced bell peppers, extra chives, and rainbow sprinkles if desired. Decorate with edible flowers or microgreens.
09 - Serve immediately for optimal texture and visual appeal.

# Important Notes:

01 - For a vegetarian variation, substitute sautéed mushrooms in place of pancetta and ensure Parmesan is vegetarian.
02 - Select certified gluten-free pasta for gluten sensitivities.
03 - Rainbow sprinkles are optional; edible confetti can be substituted or omitted for a refined presentation.
04 - Pairs wonderfully with a chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling lemonade for a family-friendly option.

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