Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Fettuccine with Peas, Asparagus and Pancetta



Now that summer has finally decided to show up, we have been trying to eat lighter food. Not only lighter in calories, but also lighter in texture and taste. This was definitely a winner.
From Annie's Eats

Ingredients:

12 oz. pasta, such as fettuccine
3 oz. pancetta or bacon, chopped (I used bacon.)
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 1-inch pieces
2 cups shelled fresh peas (blanched 1 minute), or frozen peas
1 bunch green onions, sliced thinly, white and green parts separated
2 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream (I just used 1% milk)
3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
3 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp. lemon zest
2-4 tbsp. fresh parsely, minced and divided
¼ cup fresh basil, minced and divided
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta just until al dente according to the package directions. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water. Return the pasta to the pot. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the pancetta or bacon just until crisp, and transfer to a paper-towel lined plate using a slotted spoon. Pour off almost all of the grease from the pan. Return the pan to the heat and add the asparagus. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add the peas, white parts of the green onions, and garlic to the pan; sauté until fragrant and just tender, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the vegetable mixture, ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water, green parts of the green onions, Parmesan cheese, cream, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, half of the parsley and basil to the pot with the cooked pasta. Toss well until combine. Add additional pasta water a tablespoon at a time, if necessary. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Transfer to a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with the pancetta, remaining parsley and basil. Serve immediately with additional grated Parmesan, if desired.

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