PENNE WITH ASPARAGUS CARBONARA

Penne With Asparagus Carbonara image

This is an easy recipe, and one that you can twist and tweak endlessly, depending on what food you have on hand. The vegetable and the pasta shape don't matter much. And since you forgo the pork of a traditional carbonara, egg-friendly vegetarians will be happy.

Provided by Florence Fabricant

Categories dinner, lunch, pastas, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 pound asparagus, medium-thick
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 large cloves garlic, sliced
Salt
10 ounces dry penne pasta
3 large eggs
Ground black pepper
1 cup grated pecorino (about 2 ounces)
2 tablespoons minced tarragon leaves

Steps:

Snap off the ends of the asparagus. If the stalks are thick, peel the bottoms. Slant-cut the asparagus in 1-inch pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet. Add garlic and cook on medium-low until the garlic is fragrant. Add asparagus and stir-fry until al dente, about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente. In a medium-size bowl, beat eggs enough to blend them. Gradually whisk 1/2 cup of the pasta water into the eggs. Drain pasta and add to skillet. Add remaining oil and toss with asparagus over low heat, just enough to combine and warm the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper. Remove pan from heat.
Very slowly stir about half the egg mixture into the pasta and asparagus, mixing everything constantly. Don't worry if some of the egg scrambles a bit. Quickly stir the cheese into remaining eggs, pour over the ingredients in the skillet and mix. Fold in tarragon. Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 494, UnsaturatedFat 12 grams, Carbohydrate 60 grams, Fat 19 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 21 grams, SaturatedFat 5 grams, Sodium 585 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams