When it comes to breakfast and brunch, the options seem endless. But what if you could combine two beloved Italian classics into one mouth - watering dish? Enter the Pasta Carbonara Frittata. This unique creation takes the best of carbonara and frittata and fuses them into a hearty, flavorful meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Let's start with the origins of the two parent dishes. Carbonara is a traditional Italian pasta dish that hails from Rome. It typically consists of spaghetti or other long - shaped pasta, eggs, guanciale (cured pork cheek), Pecorino Romano cheese, and Parmigiano - Reggiano cheese. The magic of carbonara lies in the combination of the rich, fatty guanciale and the creamy egg - cheese sauce that coats the pasta. The sauce is created by whisking raw eggs with the grated cheeses and then quickly tossing it with the hot, cooked pasta and the rendered guanciale fat. The heat of the pasta cooks the eggs just enough to form a luscious, velvety coating.

On the other hand, a frittata is an Italian omelette. It is made by beating eggs and then cooking them in a pan, often with the addition of various ingredients such as vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Frittatas are versatile and can be customized according to personal preferences. They can be cooked on the stovetop and then finished in the oven for a golden, puffy top.

Now, let's dive into how to make the Pasta Carbonara Frittata. First, you'll need to cook the pasta. Choose a short - shaped pasta like penne or fusilli for this recipe. Cook it al dente, following the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Cut the guanciale into small cubes and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy and releases its fat. Remove the guanciale from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Pecorino Romano, and Parmigiano - Reggiano cheeses. Season the egg mixture with a pinch of salt and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The black pepper is a key flavor component in carbonara, so don't skimp on it. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the guanciale fat. Toss the pasta to coat it in the fat, which will add a wonderful depth of flavor.

Next, pour the egg - cheese mixture over the pasta in the skillet. Stir gently to combine the pasta, eggs, and cheese. Sprinkle the cooked guanciale cubes over the top. At this point, you can also add some chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor. Place the skillet over medium - low heat and let the frittata cook slowly. As the bottom starts to set, you can use a spatula to gently lift the edges and let the uncooked egg mixture flow underneath.

After a few minutes of stovetop cooking, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Bake the frittata at around 375°F (190°C) for about 10 - 15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the frittata is set in the center. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the middle of the frittata. If it comes out clean, the frittata is ready.

The result is a beautiful, golden - brown frittata with pockets of pasta, crispy guanciale, and a rich, cheesy egg filling. The combination of the creamy egg - cheese sauce and the al dente pasta is simply divine. You can serve the Pasta Carbonara Frittata as a main course for breakfast or brunch, accompanied by a side salad or some fresh fruit. It also makes a great lunch or dinner option, especially when paired with a glass of red wine.

One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. If you don't have guanciale on hand, you can substitute it with bacon or pancetta. You can also experiment with different types of pasta or add other ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, or sun - dried tomatoes to the frittata. The possibilities are endless, and you can make this dish your own.

In conclusion, the Pasta Carbonara Frittata is a culinary masterpiece that brings together the best of two Italian worlds. It's a delicious, satisfying meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you're a fan of carbonara, frittatas, or just looking for a new and exciting breakfast or brunch option, this recipe is definitely worth trying. So, head to your kitchen, gather the ingredients, and start cooking up this fusion delight today!