Orecchiette Carbonara with Asparagus and Mushrooms

It was a cold rainy day, so I decided to try something new.  I have not made orecchietti yet, so I wanted to give it a try.  So, I decided to make it with Orecchietti Carbonara with asparagus and added some baby bella mushrooms.  Typically, you use either bacon or pancetta for Carbonara, but I decided to use cubed prosciutto.  I also do not like adding cream to my pasta sauces, so this is made without the cream, which makes it lighter but just as delicious!
Typically, it is not sprinkled with fresh basil either, but I had some in the fridge that I wanted to add.  I made the pasta, but if you buy it from the store, it turns into a quick recipe that you can make a week night for dinner.

Ingredients;
1 package pancetta or prosciutto (alternatively you can also use bacon, about 6 slices, chopped)
1 large shallot, minced
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 1/2 - 2" pieces
4 oz baby bella mushrooms (you can use whatever mushrooms you have)
1/4 c water
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 c grated fresh Parmesan Romano cheese
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Red pepper flakes (to taste)
Optional - Fresh basil to top

Orecchietti Pasta Recipe HERE

Boil the water for your pasta.  Prepare your ingredients and set aside. 

In a large saute pan, on medium high heat, add the prosciutto.  (If you are using bacon or pancetta, you should drain most of the grease from the pan before you add the onions and garlic.) After a few minutes, add the garlic and shallots.  At this point, you should put your pasta to boil (follow the directions on the box).

After about 3 minutes, add the mushrooms and saute for about 8-10 minutes, until the mushrooms are cooked and the remaining ingredients begin to caramelize.  Add the pepper and red pepper flakes.

 Add the asparagus, saute another minute or 2.

Add the 1/4 c water to the pan and cover for 2-3 minutes to steam the asparagus, remove the lid and let the water evaporate almost completely.

 Add the cooked pasta that has been strained.

Turn off the heat.  Add the beaten eggs and cheese.  Mix to ensure the eggs have been completely incorporated into the mixture.  Serve immediately.

Thyme 2 Taste...

TIP: You can mix up the ingredients.  If you don't like asparagus, you can leave it out.  You can also use this recipe to make the traditional carbonara without the vegetables.