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    Lemony Carbonara with Peas

    clock-icon30 minutes
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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
    units in
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    serves
    4 peoplechevron
    serves
    4 peoplechevron

    Sea Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch strips

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, thinly sliced

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Peas

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Spaghetti Pasta

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Parmesan Cheese, grated

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Large Eggs

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Ground Black Pepper

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Lemon Zest, finely grated

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    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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