Green Pea and Pancetta Carbonara (30 Minutes)

Print

Print Recipe

Whip up a comforting plate of pasta with this fresh twist on the classic carbonara. Wide pappardelle noodles serve as the perfect bed for the crispy pancetta, sweet green peas, and velvety sauce. Whether it’s date night or just a regular weekday evening, this dish promises to deliver on taste without the fuss.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz pappardelle noodles
  • 1/2 cup diced pancetta
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen green peas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (or Parmesan if you prefer)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pappardelle (8-10 minutes): Boil the pappardelle noodles in a large pot of salted water until al dente, as per package instructions. Save 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta, setting it aside.
  2. Cook the Pancetta (5-7 minutes): Over medium heat in a large skillet, fry the pancetta until it crisps up. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Add the Peas (2-3 minutes): Stir in the peas to the skillet. If using frozen, cook just until they’re warm. If using fresh, cook a little longer until they’re tender yet still a bright green.
  4. Mix Pasta and Ingredients (2 minutes): Toss the drained pappardelle into the skillet, making sure it’s well-mixed with the pancetta and peas.
  5. Create the Carbonara Sauce (3-4 minutes): In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, cheese, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the egg mixture, whisking constantly, until smooth and creamy. Pour this over the pasta, stirring until the pasta is coated and creamy.

Notes

The secret to achieving the creamy texture of carbonara is ensuring that you whisk the eggs continuously when adding the hot pasta water. This process prevents the eggs from scrambling. Pecorino Romano, the cheese of choice for this dish, has a naturally salty flavor, so remember to adjust additional salt accordingly. If you ever run out of pancetta, good quality bacon can serve as a suitable substitute. Pairing this dish with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad truly enhances the meal experience.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/green-pea-and-pancetta-carbonara-30-minutes/