Tasso Carbonara
 
Ingredients
  • 1 (16-ounce) package pennoni pasta*
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • ⅔ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup diced tasso
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Garnish: fresh oregano leaves
Instructions
  1. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente. Drain pasta, reserving 1½ cups cooking liquid.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolks and eggs until smooth and no strings remain. Whisk in ⅓ cup cheese. Whisk in ½ cup reserved cooking liquid.
  3. In a large saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add tasso, and cook until lightly crisp and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from pan.
  4. In same pan, bring salt, pepper, and remaining 1 cup reserved cooking liquid to a boil. Stir in pasta until combined. Remove from heat. Slowly pour egg mixture into pasta, stirring constantly. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce is creamy and slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from heat. Top with tasso and remaining ⅓ cup cheese. Garnish with oregano, if desired.
Notes
*Pennoni pasta is a short, tubular pasta with diagonally cut ends. You may substitute any short pasta you desire.
Recipe by Louisiana Cookin' at https://louisianacookin.com/tasso-carbonara/