Quick Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon
Ingredients
- 4slices thick-cut bacon
about 1/4 lb
- 1 clovegarlic
peeled and smashed
- 1heaping teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
plus more for sprinkling
- ½ lbpasta
- 1 largeegg plus 2 egg yolks
room temperature
- ½ cfinely grated pecorino romano cheese
plus extra for sprinkling
- ½ cfinely grated parmesan cheese
plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 cfrozen peas
defrosted at room temperature
- 1 tbspfinely chopped italian flat-leaf parsley
optional
Directions
- 1
Bring a large pot of water up to a boil. Add the bacon to a large skillet at room temperature and bring it up to medium heat. Sauté the bacon for about 2-3 minutes or until it starts to render out, then add in the garlic clove and black pepper.
- 2
Continue to cook until the bacon becomes crisp and the garlic is light golden brown. Remove the garlic clove if you desire (I leave it in).
- 3
Add about about a tablespoon of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta and give it a stir. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but remove it one minute before the recommended time to ensure it stays al dente.
- 4
While the pasta cooks, whisk together the eggs and grated cheese in a medium bowl.
- 5
Right before the pasta is done, scoop out a few cups of pasta water, then drain the pasta noodles and add it to the pan with the bacon. Place the pan over medium-high heat and toss the pasta around in the bacon fat for about 1-2 minutes.
- 6
Add a splash of hot reserved pasta water to the egg mixture and whisk, then add the hot pasta to the bowl and toss quickly so the eggs don't scramble. Continue mixing until the heat of the pasta forms a rich, thick sauce.
- 7
Add the peas and continue tossing until everything is combined. Thin it out with more pasta water or thicken it up with more cheese as needed, then taste and adjust seasoning.
- 8
Transfer the pasta to plates, then sprinkle parsley, extra parmesan and black pepper on top. Serve immediately.
Quick Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon
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Based on 8 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a classic comfort food that's both quick and incredibly satisfying? This Quick Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon delivers an authentic Italian experience right to your kitchen, all ready in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect answer for a weeknight meal when you desire something hearty without the fuss.
What makes this pasta carbonara truly special is its clever combination of simple, inexpensive ingredients that yield a profoundly rich flavor. The crispy thick-cut bacon, savory pecorino romano and parmesan cheeses, and fresh cracked black pepper create a luxurious sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. The addition of sweet, defrosted peas adds a delightful pop of freshness and color, distinguishing this version with a touch of bright sweetness.
Prepare for a dish that is deeply savory, with a wonderfully creamy and emulsified sauce (thanks to the room temperature egg and egg yolks) that coats the pasta beautifully. You'll experience the salty, slightly chewy crunch of bacon alongside the tender, al dente pasta. The peas offer a burst of sweetness that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced bite. This is truly an indulgent comfort meal, evident in its substantial calorie count, designed to leave you feeling completely nourished and content.
While delicious as is, this carbonara is quite adaptable. If you don't have thick-cut bacon on hand, you can use pancetta or even guanciale for a more traditional touch, though bacon provides fantastic flavor. Feel free to adjust the ratio of pecorino romano to parmesan based on your preference for sharper or milder cheese notes. The finely chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley is optional, but it adds a nice fresh finish and visual appeal. For those who prefer a more classic carbonara, simply omit the peas entirely.
This Quick Pasta alla Carbonara with Peas and Bacon is ideal for a comforting family dinner or when you need a fast yet impressive meal. Serve it immediately, perhaps with a simple green salad to complement its richness, and a sprinkle of extra grated cheese and black pepper for garnish.