Pasta Carbonara With Peas Recipe is a delightful twist on the Italian classic. This creamy, savory pasta dish is not only comforting but also quick and easy to whip up on busy nights. Adding peas introduces a pop of color and a hint of sweetness that elevates the dish to a new level. If you are looking for a simple yet impressive meal to serve your family or guests, you are in the right place!
What is Pasta Carbonara?
Pasta Carbonara is a traditional Italian dish that originates from Rome. It’s made with ingredients that most people love: pasta, eggs, cheese, pancetta (or guanciale), and black pepper. The key to this dish is its creamy sauce, which you create using eggs and cheese. As the pasta cooks, the hot pasta water helps make the sauce creamy without the need for heavy cream.
The Role of Peas
Peas bring a joyful splash of green to your Carbonara. They not only add a beautiful color contrast but also a sweet flavor that complements the salty pancetta. Adding peas makes this dish more nutritious while also giving it a fresh, vibrant twist.
Ingredients for Pasta Carbonara With Peas
To make your delightful Pasta Carbonara With Peas, gather the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti or any pasta of your choice
- 150g pancetta or guanciale, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese (Parmesan works as well)
- 1 cup frozen peas (thawed)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnishing (optional)
Equipment Needed
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A frying pan for cooking pancetta
- A mixing bowl for the sauce
- A whisk or fork for mixing the eggs and cheese
- A colander for draining pasta
How to Make Pasta Carbonara With Peas
This dish comes together quickly, so it’s best to prep all your ingredients beforehand. Here’s how to make this tasty meal step by step:
Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
- Salt the Water: Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Cook the Pasta: Add spaghetti (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and return pasta to the pot.
Cook the Pancetta
- Sauté the Pancetta: In a frying pan over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until it becomes crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic (Optional): If you’re using minced garlic, add it to the pan just a minute before the pancetta is done, and cook until fragrant.
Prepare the Sauce
- Mix Eggs and Cheese: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and grated Pecorino Romano cheese. Stir until it forms a smooth mixture.
- Season: Add a pinch of salt and a generous amount of black pepper to the egg and cheese mixture.
Combine Everything
- Mix Pasta and Pancetta: Add the hot drained pasta to the pan with the pancetta and garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Add Peas: Stir in the thawed peas.
- Create the Sauce: Remove the pan from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring continuously. This will help create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired consistency.
Serve
- Plate Up: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with additional cheese, cracked black pepper, and chopped parsley if desired.
Tips for the Best Pasta Carbonara With Peas
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the final dish will be.
- Don’t Overcook the Eggs: The heat from the pasta will cook the eggs to create a creamy sauce. Take the pan off the heat before adding the egg mixture to prevent scrambling.
- Add Reserved Pasta Water: This is the secret to a silky-smooth sauce. Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water before draining!
- Mix Quickly: After adding the egg mixture, work quickly to combine everything and form a creamy sauce.
Variations and Additions
Feel free to customize your Pasta Carbonara With Peas to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas:
Additional Ingredients
- Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the pancetta for an earthy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest added at the end brightens up the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: Adding some fresh spinach will increase the nutrients and color.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or even a bit of smoked cheese for a unique flavor.
Using Cream
If you prefer a creamy Carbonara, you can add a splash of heavy cream to the egg mixture. This will make a richer, thicker sauce, but it’s a departure from the traditional recipe.
Storage Tips for Pasta Carbonara With Peas
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because it’s so delicious), here’s how to store it:
Storing
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the pasta to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate: Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating
- Microwave: Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
- Stovetop: You can also reheat it in a pan on low heat, adding a little pasta water if needed.
Nutritional Benefits of Pasta Carbonara With Peas
This dish isn’t just delicious; it also packs some nutritional benefits:
- Protein: Eggs and pancetta provide a good source of protein.
- Vitamins: Peas are rich in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Fiber: The peas add fiber, which is essential for good digestion.
- Calcium: The cheese adds calcium for strong bones.