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Creamy Asparagus Carbonara Recipe Easy Homemade Crispy Pancetta Delight

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A quick and comforting pasta dish featuring crispy pancetta, tender asparagus, and a creamy egg-parmesan sauce that feels luxurious yet simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
  • 1 bunch (about 12 oz / 340 g) fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 6 oz (170 g) pancetta, diced
  • 3 large egg yolks (room temperature)
  • 1 cup (about 100 g) finely grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • About ½ cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz (340 g) of spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 8-10 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup (120 ml) of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz (170 g) diced pancetta and sauté until crispy and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
  3. In the same skillet with pancetta fat, toss in 1 bunch of asparagus pieces and 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until asparagus is tender-crisp and garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. While asparagus cooks, whisk together 3 large egg yolks and 1 cup (100 g) finely grated parmesan cheese in a bowl until smooth.
  5. Add drained pasta to the skillet with asparagus. Remove pan from heat to prevent scrambling eggs. Quickly pour the egg-cheese mixture over the pasta, tossing vigorously with tongs to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time to loosen sauce to your desired creaminess.
  6. Stir in crispy pancetta pieces. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper and salt to taste. The sauce should be silky and cling to each strand.
  7. Plate up and sprinkle extra parmesan and pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, creamy goodness.

Notes

Remove the pan from heat before adding the egg mixture to avoid scrambling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly cracked black pepper is essential for authentic flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free variety. For dairy-free, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan but sauce will be less creamy.

Nutrition

Keywords: carbonara, asparagus, pancetta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, quick pasta, homemade carbonara, spring recipe

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/creamy-asparagus-carbonara-recipe-easy-homemade-crispy-pancetta-delight/