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Lemony Carbonara with Peas

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Pixicook editorial team

A tangy twist on the classic carbonara, featuring the zesty flavors of lemon and the freshness of peas.

Ingredients for Lemony Carbonara with Peas

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Sea Salt

to taste

Pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch strips

0 oz

Garlic Clove, thinly sliced

each

Peas

0 oz

Spaghetti Pasta

0 oz

Parmesan Cheese, grated

0 oz

Lemon Zest, finely grated

teaspoons

How to Make Lemony Carbonara with Peas

1. Prepare Pasta Water

Fill a large Dutch oven or stockpot with water, add a generous amount of sea salt, and bring it to a rolling boil.

2. Cook Pancetta and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the pancetta or bacon until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic slices and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and golden.

3. Add Peas to Skillet

Add the peas to the skillet, stirring them with the pancetta and garlic for another 1 to 2 minutes until warmed through.

4. Cook Pasta

Add the spaghetti or bucatini pasta to the boiling water and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until al dente.

5. Make Egg and Cheese Mixture

Whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly ground black pepper in a large bowl.

6. Combine Pasta with Egg Mixture

Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and add it to the egg and Parmesan mixture, tossing quickly to form a sauce.

7. Finish with Lemon and Peas

Stir in the pancetta, garlic, and peas mixture, along with lemon zest and lemon juice. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan, black pepper, and lemon zest.

Pitfalls and tips

Quality Ingredients Matter

Opt for the best ingredients like guanciale, freshly grated Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and fresh peas for a superior carbonara.

Pasta Water Is Key

Reserve plenty of starchy pasta water to help emulsify the fats from the egg yolks and cheese with the acidity of the lemon juice for a silky sauce.

Serve Immediately

Carbonara should be served right away to avoid the sauce becoming clumpy or too thick.

Egg Yolks

Use only egg yolks at room temperature for a richer, more velvety sauce, and prevent them from scrambling when mixing with the pasta.

Cook Pasta Al Dente

Since pasta continues cooking after being added to the egg mixture, cook it just to al dente to ensure the perfect bite in the final dish.

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