CARBONARA CACIO E PEPE

Carbonara Cacio e Pepe image

Provided by Giada De Laurentiis

Time 35m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Kosher salt
1 pound creste di gallo pasta or other curved pasta shape
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 pound pancetta, diced
1 1/2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
2 cups freshly grated Parmesan, plus more for serving, optional
1 cup freshly grated pecorino
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 cups frozen peas, thawed

Steps:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta for 8 minutes or just 2 minutes under the suggested cooking time. Drain well, reserving 1 1/2 cups of pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat a large straight-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil and pancetta. Cook, stirring often with a wooden spoon, until the pancetta is crisp, about 10 minutes. Add the black pepper and toast, stirring often, until fragrant. Add 1/2 cup of the pasta water to the pan and scrape up all the bits that are sticking to the bottom. Add the cooked pasta and sprinkle with the Parmesan. Add another 1/2 cup of the pasta water and stir to coat all of the pasta with the cheese. Add the pecorino and butter and stir to combine, creating a light, creamy cheese sauce. Add the peas and cook until warmed through. Add additional pasta water as needed to maintain the light sauce consistency. Serve with more grated Parmesan if desired.