In this Linguine alla Carbonara, meatballs, peas and bacon are tossed in a simple eggy cheese sauce. So simple, SO delicious!
Course Mains & Entrees
Cuisine Italian
Keyword bacon, egg yolks, italian sausage, peas, pecorino romano cheese
Prep Time 35 minutesmins
Cook Time 25 minutesmins
Total Time 1 hourhr
Servings 8servings
Calories 836
Author Laurie McNamara
Ingredients
1/2poundbaconcooked
2tablespoonsreserved bacon fat
1poundmild italian sausage
3clovegarlicpressed
4largeegg yolks
1/2cupheavy cream
1cuppecorino romano cheesefreshly grated
kosher saltto taste
freshly ground black pepperto taste
1/2teaspoonlemon zest
1cuppetite peas
1poundlinguine
minced fresh parsleyfor garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Roll the Italian sausage in to bite-size meatballs, about 35-40.
In the reserved bacon fat over medium heat; working in batches, brown and cook the sausage.
In the last minute toss in the pressed garlic and cook until fragrant and golden {about one minute}. Remove sausage balls to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
While the last batch of sausage meatballs are in the pan; cook the pasta according to package directions to al dente.
Mean while in a large bowl whisk together the egg yolks, heavy cream, salt, a generous amount of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest and the grated cheese.
Once the pasta is cooked, reserve a cup of pasta water and drain linguine.
Immediately add the hot pasta to the egg mixture and toss until pasta is evenly coated and the cheese melted. Next add in peas, crumbled bacon and the sausage. Toss and serve with a little remaining Pecorino Romano and chopped fresh parsley.
To losen the sauce up a bit, add a little pasta water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
*Use reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce if desired.