Monday, March 12, 2012

Pasta Carbonara with Peas and Green Onions


 Scott's favorite pasta dish is Pasta Carbonara, which is pasta with pancetta or bacon, eggs, and cheese.What's not to love?  It is very easy to make and so delicious. In fact, the first meal that Scott made for me when we first met was Pasta Carbonara, so it has a special place in my heart. I was watching Rachael Ray last week, and she was making Pasta Carbonara with a Spring Twist,  adding Spring peas,  green onions and a lemon zest.  The peas and the green onion added a nice green, Spring touch, and the lemon zest gave it bright lemon flavor.  To be truthful, I like this version of the Carbonara even better. We couldn't get Spring peas, so we just used frozen green peas.  We also subbed turkey bacon for pancetta or regular bacon, used Parmesan cheese, and put the Carbonara over the multi grain Linguine. You can also microwave your turkey bacon, and have less fat.  We know that this isn't the healthiest meal for you, but just remember the "M" word, moderation.  If you are looking for a nice easy green touch to your meals this week,  make the Pasts Carbonara with Peas and Green Onion. Enjoy!




Pasta Carbonara with Peas and Green Onion Inspired by Rachael Ray.com

Ingredients
1 cup of fresh or frozen peas, cooked
12 oz. multi grain linguine or your favorite pasta
1 tbsp olive oil
1/3 lb of pancetta, bacon or turkey bacon, chopped in 1” pieces.
4 cloves of garlic, thinly sliced
4 green onions, white tops only, thinly sliced. Reserve green onion tops and chop
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1/2 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped
4 eggs
2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Preparation
  1. Microwave peas in microwave 2-3 min.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil for the pasta, add salt, and cook pasta to al dente, firm, but not mushy.
  3. Meanwhile brown bacon pieces in olive oil, if needed, until cooked crisp. Add garlic, pepper, and green onions. Stir 2-3 minutes.
  4. When pasta is done, reserve 1/2 c starchy cooking water. Put eggs in separate bowl.  Add about another 1/4 cup of starchy water to eggs, and beat to temper eggs.
  5. In large bowl add bacon, garlic, and sliced green onions, and lemon zest, immediately add in hot pasta, drained. Pour eggs over top of cooked pasta and cheese.  Toss with tongs 1-2 min until combined.  Serve immediately and garnish with more fresh parsley, cheese, and green onion tops.

19 comments:

  1. I LOVE spaghetti alla carbonara! It may be one of my biggest comfort food meals. Adding a bit of greenery is a great way to get the family to eat their veggies too. Yours looks delicious, Becky. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

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    1. Christiane,

      Thanks! This is one of our favorites, And I love the peas, green onion,and lemon zest. The additions give the dish the fresh flavors of Spring.

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  2. Becky-with such a small portion like this...I would have to come back for seconds for your healthy, and delicious Pasta Carbonara. I happen to like Rachel Ray's recipe, and this is a WINNER! Great job, you did with it. Love it:DDD

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  3. Elisabeth,
    Thank you! the portion wasn't that small, those plates are big:) Glad that you liked the recipe.

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  4. Aw, what a sweet story about Scott making this dish for you! I love your twist on this classic...I think my gang would enjoy these additions. It makes a delicious meal in itself...with a loaf of crusty bread :)

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  5. Lizzy,
    This is a one pot meal of sorts, but big on flavor. This dish is great with the loaf of bread, and maybe a glass of wine;)

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  6. This sounds so good! I just posted a recipe on your blog hop, and have joined your blog. Patsy

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    1. Nice to meet you Patsy, and thank you for following my blog. I appreciate it so much. Hope to see you soon.

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  7. Sounds awesome! I love carbonara

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    1. Debbie,
      Thanks. This carbonara is very good, especially with the peas and green onions.

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  8. Very colorful pretty dish even for St Patricks Day!

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    1. Claudia,
      Yes, this dish has lots of green for St.Patrick's Day, even though, it's an Italian dish.

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  9. Mmmmm, what a delicious pasta dish. I love me some carbonara. :)

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    1. Carbonara is so good, especially this version with the peas and green onion.

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  10. I love carbonara but I'm kind of picky - sometimes when you get it it's just drowning in oil or butter. I like it when it's nice and light and leaves you feeling you enjoyed something you love without over indulging!

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    1. Jen,
      This is the lighter version of carbonara with turkey bacon, and very little oil.

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  11. i like that addition of peas to the pasta carbonara :) I really should try it.

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    Replies
    1. Medeja,
      The peas and green onions really make this version of carbonara.

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  12. I love that you added peas! Heaven!

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