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Easy Pea & Spinach Carbonara

Fresh pasta cooks up faster than dried, making it a must-have for fast weeknight dinners like this luscious yet healthy meal. Eggs are the base of the creamy sauce. They don't get fully cooked, so use pasteurized-in-the-shell eggs if you prefer.

Active Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Yield
Serves 4

How to Make It

1. Step
Put 10 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Step
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and garlic; cook, stirring frequently, until toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons Parmesan and parsley. Set aside.
3. Step
Whisk the remaining 6 tablespoons Parmesan, egg yolks, egg, pepper and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Step
Cook pasta in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add spinach and peas and cook until the pasta is tender, about 1 minute more. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain and place in a large bowl.
5. Step
Slowly whisk the reserved cooking water into the egg mixture. Gradually add the mixture to the pasta, tossing with tongs to combine. Serve topped with the reserved breadcrumb mixture.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, preferably whole-wheat
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 8 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 (9 ounce) package fresh tagliatelle or linguine
  • 8 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup peas (fresh or frozen)

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