Pasta Carbonara

Source: Real Simple magazine

Notes: It calls to serve it with 4 Italian sausage links (about 1 lb), but we'd already had sausage this week so I microwaved some bacon and cut it up and added it to the pasta. This could definitely be served with any type of meat you wanted added.

Servings: 4 small servings

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

8 oz pappardelle (or fettuccine, but papparedelle really makes this good)

1 cup frozen peas

2 large egg yolks

1/2 cup half and half

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving

Kosher salt

black pepper

Choice of meat: 4 Italian sausage links or 5 slices of bacon or other

Directions:

* Cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding the peas during the last minute of cooking. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, drain the pasta and peas, and return them to the pot.

* Meanwhile, cook whatever meat you plan on using. If sausage, heat in a little oil over medium heat for 8-10 minutes. We microwaved 5 slices of bacon, then cut into pieces.

*In a medium bow, whisk together the egg yolks, half and half, Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

*Add egg mixture and reserved cooking water to the pasta and peas. Cook over low heat, tossing gently, until the sauce is slightly thickened and coats the pasta

*Serve with meat and additional cheese.

Verdict: This was great! And super fast and easy. A great weekday meal. Dave, who is a big carbonara fan, really liked it. Allison was also a big fan of it and ate well. This will definitely be added into the rotation.