Creamy Bacon Pasta…
what else can I really say?
So basically this is my take on Pasta Carbonara. But people get so bent out of shape over what defines “carbonara” that I opted not to call it that. Peas – no peas, onions – no onions… honestly I don’t know what all the fuss is about. Delicious pasta is never a bad idea.
Whether you opt for a pea filled variety, or an authentic classic…
It’s all tasty.
Bacon Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 10oz thick cut bacon (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons reserved bacon grease
- 1 cup onion (small diced)
- 1 16 ounce box of pasta
- 1/3 cup pasta water
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup grated asiago
- 1 1/2 heaped teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Directions
Step 1
|
Start water in a large pot or saucepan over high heat to bring to a boil. |
Step 2
|
While waiting for the water to boil (don't watch the pot!) dump all of the bacon pieces into a skillet set over medium heat.
|
Step 3
|
Yes this is a lot of bacon... it is Bacon Pasta after all. |
Step 4
|
It will take around 8 to 10 minutes for the bacon bits to get golden and crisp. Toss them occasionally, but keep busy by adding some stuff to a bowl.
Crack all 4 eggs into the bowl, and add the asiago, black pepper, and salt. |
Step 5
|
This looks awesome already. Awesome... not healthy.
Give it a vigorous whisking. |
Step 6
|
Talk about a creamy tease!
I know it's exciting, but don't forget about your bacon bits. They should be about perfect by now. |
Step 7
|
Get 'em out of the pan and into a bowl. |
Step 8
|
You don't have to use a spork, but I highly recommend it.
Pour out all of the bacon grease except about 2 Tbs. There's no need to measure exactly, because I can't imagine doing that without obtaining a grease burn... and it's just not worth it. I pour my bacon grease into a jar to be used later, but store or trash yours however you like.
Dump the diced onion into the grease, and return to slightly above medium heat.
|
Step 9
|
Saute the onions around 5 to 8 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned. |
Step 10
|
Add the frozen peas into the boiling pasta about 2 minutes before the desired doneness of the pasta. |
Step 11
|
Before draining the pasta/peas mixture, make sure to scoop out around 1/3 cup of the pasta water. You'll use this to temper the egg mixture.
|
Step 12
|
I didn't get a shot of tempering aka slowly raising the temperature of the egg sauce mixture because one hand was pouring a gentle stream of boiling water, and the other hand was whisking the sauce. I'm not trying to show off, but still.
Drain the pasta and peas. Dump back into the pan. Add back in the bacon and onions. Then pour over the creamy egg sauce. |
Step 13
|
Don't worry the hot pasta and pasta water cooks the eggs. Give it all a toss, and prepare to swoon. |
Step 14
|
Top with extra asiago, because, at this point, who's keeping score? |
Step 15
|
This is super duper awesome, and you need to try it. |
This looks YUMMO! Pinned it to my dinner recipes board
Hey Brooke! This is really bad… but in a really good way!