Quick, Creative Cuisine: The Broward County Convention Center's Pasta Carbonara

SAVOR, the culinary team at the SMG-managed Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, is happy to share this delicious, family-friendly recipe for pasta carbonara. This easy-to-make dish serves four and will surely become a staple in your home.

It is believed that pasta carbonara was first made as a meal for Italian charcoal workers, as the word ‘carbonaro’ is Italian for charcoal burner. The dish is often called ‘coal miner’s spaghetti’ as a tribute to the original etymology. Today, this dish is an American favorite and can be created quickly with common ingredients.

Our recipe for pasta carbonara will be sure to have your family begging for more. This is just one of the many wonderful dishes we serve at the Convention Center and we are certain that our culinary team will impress you and your guests.

Pasta Carbonara
(Four servings)

½ lb Pancetta (Italian cured bacon, cut into batons)
1 package Linguine
1 Yellow onion (diced)
2 Egg yolks
1 cup Fresh parsley (chopped)
1 cup Dry, white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
½ cup Heavy whipping cream
½ cup Green peas
½ cup Asiago cheese (grated)
1 tbsp Garlic (chopped)
1 tbsp Fresh basil (chiffonade)
1 tbsp Fresh oregano (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Sauté the pancetta on medium heat until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove crispy pancetta and reserve until later. Sauté the onions in the rendered oil until they are translucent. Add the garlic, green peas and white wine. Cook until mixture is reduced by a quarter of the original amount. Add the cream and herbs. Cover the pan until the herbs have wilted. Season with black pepper and taste before salting, as pancetta can be salty. Cook the linguine, strain and add to sauce. Turn pasta to fully coat with the sauce. Add the egg yolks and stir vigorously to incorporate. Finish with Asiago cheese. Bon appetite! 

Recipe provided by Jamie MacDonald, Executive Chef at the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Convention Center.

This article was previously published at the www.ftlauderdalecc.com blog.