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Asparagus Carbonara

Asparagus Carbonara is a delicious variation of the classic Carbonara that you can prepare in spring for a tasty, easy, and quick lunch!
Recipe Asparagus Carbonara
  • Difficulty Easy
  • Preparation 15 minutes
  • Cooking 15 minutes
  • Servings for 4 servings

Asparagus Carbonara is a delicious variation of the classic Carbonara, prepared in a truly simple and quick way! This Pasta with Asparagus, Eggs, and Guanciale is a perfect dish for spring, the season when asparagus is at its best and tastiest.

Asparagus and Guanciale Carbonara can be made in just a few minutes, making it ideal for a quick lunch or a dinner with friends or family. One of the key aspects of this Carbonara with Asparagus is the perfect balance between the typical flavor of carbonara and the unique taste of asparagus. In this version, asparagus further enhances the flavor of the guanciale, giving an extra twist to one of the most iconic dishes of Italian tradition.

In this recipe, the asparagus is cut into small pieces and cooked directly in the same pan used to brown the guanciale. This step allows the vegetables to absorb all the aromas and flavors released by the meat, enriching them with a depth of taste that makes the dish truly special. The egg, pecorino, and black pepper cream, just like in the traditional recipe, blends all the ingredients into a creamy and irresistible embrace—without the use of cream, in full respect of the true carbonara philosophy.

About the ingredients: Guanciale is an Italian cured meat made from pork cheek or jowl, prized for its rich flavor and creamy fat. If you can’t find guanciale, you can substitute it with pancetta (Italian cured pork belly), or, as a last resort, use thick-cut unsmoked bacon—though the flavor will be slightly different. Pecorino is a sheep’s milk cheese; if unavailable, Parmigiano Reggiano can be used, but Pecorino provides the traditional sharpness typical of Carbonara.

Ingredients for 4 servings

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Method

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  1. To prepare the Asparagus Carbonara, start by cleaning the asparagus: wash them thoroughly under running water, then trim off the tough ends of the stalks. Cut the stalks into pieces about one centimeter long, taking care to leave the tips whole. This step is crucial as the tips add a nice texture and presentation to the dish.
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 1
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 2
  2. Take the guanciale (cured pork cheek), and cut it into strips. Cook it in a pan over medium heat until it releases its fat and becomes crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and keep it warm until needed. Next, add the asparagus to the same pan and cook for a few minutes until they become tender. If necessary, add a bit of the pasta cooking water to soften them further. This method allows the asparagus to absorb some of the flavors from the guanciale.
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 3
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 9
  3. In a steel bowl, combine the egg yolks, pecorino cheese, and black pepper, then whisk until you obtain a smooth mixture. This mixture is the creamy base of the Carbonara, and the quality of the pecorino is essential for achieving the traditional flavor.
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 6
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 7
  4. Now, return the guanciale to the pan with the asparagus. Drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan, then mix in the egg and pecorino cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the heat from the pasta gently cooks the egg mixture, creating a rich and creamy sauce. Be careful not to scramble the eggs during this process.
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 11
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 12
  5. Plate the Asparagus Carbonara and serve it hot, optionally garnished with a generous twist of black pepper and a sprinkle of pecorino cheese. The finishing touches elevate this dish to a true Italian classic, highlighting the balance of flavors and textures. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 1

Variations and Alternatives

If you prefer, you can prepare Asparagus Carbonara without guanciale, creating a delightful Vegetarian Asparagus Carbonara.

Tips

For the best flavor, we recommend using thin asparagus and ensuring they are not overcooked; they should still have a bit of crunch.

Storage

Asparagus Carbonara should be enjoyed immediately, but if there are any leftovers, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to one day in an airtight container.

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