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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 twist on the classic Carbonara, easy and quick to prepare! This Pasta with Asparagus, Eggs, and Guanciale is the ideal dish for spring, the season when we can enjoy the freshest and tastiest asparagus.

Asparagus and Guanciale Carbonara is ready in just a few minutes, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a dinner with friends or family. One of the highlights of this Pasta alla Carbonara with Asparagus is the perfect combination of the traditional Carbonara flavor with the unique note of asparagus, which in this version further enhances the taste of guanciale and gives an extra layer to one of the most iconic dishes of Italian cuisine.

In this version, the asparagus is cut into small pieces and cooked directly in the same pan where the guanciale has been previously sautéed. This step allows the vegetables to soak up all the aromas and flavors released from the meat fat, giving the dish a depth of flavor that makes it truly special. The egg, Pecorino cheese, and pepper cream, just like in the traditional recipe, binds all the ingredients together in a creamy and irresistible embrace—without the use of cream, in full respect of the real carbonara philosophy.

Guanciale is a cured pork cheek typical of Italian charcuterie. If it is hard to find, you can substitute it with pancetta or unsmoked bacon, though the flavor will be slightly different. Pecorino can also be replaced with Parmigiano Reggiano if necessary, for a milder result.

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 stems. Cut the stalks into pieces about one centimeter long, being careful to keep the tips intact.
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 1
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 2
  2. Take the guanciale and cut it into strips. Cook it in a pan over medium heat, and when the guanciale has rendered all its fat and becomes crispy, remove it from the pan and keep it warm until needed. At this point, add the asparagus to the same pan and cook for a few minutes until they become tender, adding a bit of pasta cooking water if necessary to soften them.
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 3 1
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 9 1
  3. In a stainless steel bowl, combine the egg yolks, pecorino cheese, and pepper, and whisk together until you achieve a smooth mixture.
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 6
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 7 1
  4. Now return the guanciale to the pan with the asparagus, drain the pasta and add it directly to the pan. Combine with the egg and pecorino mixture and mix well to blend all the ingredients.
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 11
    Asparagus Carbonara Preparation 12
  5. Plate the Asparagus Carbonara and serve it hot, optionally drizzling with a bit of pepper and a sprinkle of pecorino cheese. Finally, remember to download our App with exclusive content and fewer ads!
    Asparagus Carbonara Recipe 5

Variations and Alternatives

If you prefer, you can make Asparagus Carbonara without guanciale, creating a delicious Vegetarian Asparagus Carbonara.

Tips

For the best flavor, we recommend using thin asparagus and avoiding overcooking them; they should remain slightly crunchy.

Storage

The Asparagus Carbonara should be consumed immediately, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one day in an airtight container.

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