How to Make Pasta Carbonara

guanciale

🥗Healthier: pancetta

💰Cheaper: bacon

Pancetta is more accessible, while bacon offers a budget-friendly option.

Pecorino Romano cheese

🥗Healthier: Parmesan cheese

💰Cheaper: Grana Padano

Parmesan is a lower-fat alternative, and Grana Padano is often less expensive.

Bring a saucepan of salted water to boil.

While water boils, heat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat. Add squash and saute until squash is tender, 4 to 5 minutes.

In the last minute of cooking, add peas to squash and saute just to heat through. Set vegetables aside and return pan to heat.

Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, tender but not soggy. Reserve 1/4 cup (59 mL) of pasta water (amount is for 4 servings, adjust accordingly).

While pasta cooks, add chopped bacon to heated skillet and saute until bacon is crisp, 6 to 7 minutes.

Add reserved pasta water to bacon and then turn off heat.

Working quickly so that the pasta stays hot, drain pasta and add to skillet. Pour egg sauce over hot pasta and toss vigorously with tongs or two forks at least 20 times, until eggs form a creamy sauce.

Stir in squash and peas.

Transfer pasta to a serving plate and top with basil. Finish the dish with fresh cracked black pepper and enjoy!

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens