Spring Greens Carbonara
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Spring Greens Carbonara, a delightful dish that combines creamy pasta with fresh seasonal greens. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The luscious sauce, rich with the essence of eggs and Pecorino Romano cheese, coats al dente spaghetti or fettuccine, while crispy bacon adds depth. Enjoy this dish that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 2 cups fresh spinach or asparagus (or a mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
- 4 oz thick-cut bacon or pancetta, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- Salt (for pasta water)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spaghetti until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. Sauté Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes).
- 3. Add Garlic and Greens: Stir in minced garlic and fresh greens to the skillet. Sauté until greens are wilted and garlic is fragrant (around 2 minutes).
- 4. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, grated cheese, and black pepper until smooth.
- 5. Combine Everything: Add hot drained pasta to the skillet, then quickly pour in the egg mixture while tossing vigorously to create a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs. Add reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess.
- 6. Serve Immediately: Top with additional cheese and black pepper if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Keywords: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon/pancetta and add mushrooms for extra flavor. Feel free to use different greens such as kale or arugula. To prevent scrambling eggs, remove the skillet from heat before adding the egg mixture.