Rigatoni Carbonara

adapted by There's Always Thyme to Cook

Source: http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2012/04/the-silkiest-carbonara, recipe by Barbara Lynch

1/4 pound pancetta, cut into 1/3-inch cubes

7 large egg yolks

1 large egg

1 pound rigatoni, paccheri or penne (spaghetti works well, too)

8 ounces cremini mushrooms, sliced

1/2 cup fresh or frozen green peas

kosher salt

1/2 cup finely grated Pecorino or Parmesan plus more for garnish

1 1/2 - 2 teaspoons black pepper (or you can use a blend of pink, green and black peppercorns)

Put the pancetta in a large skillet and place over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until fat renders but the pancetta is not browned, about 5 or 6 minutes. Saute the mushrooms until softened, add the peas and cook for another minute. Pour into a fine-mesh sieve set over a small bowl; reserve drippings. Transfer the pancetta, mushrooms and peas to a large bowl and let cool slightly. Add egg yolks and egg to bowl; whisk to blend.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid.

To egg mixture, immediately add the pasta, 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking liquid, and 1 teaspoon of the pancetta drippings; toss to coat. Working in batches, gradually add the Parmesan, stirring and tossing to melt between batches. Add freshly ground pepper and toss until sauce thickens, adding more pasta water by the spoonful if needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Divide into bowls and top with more grated cheese. Serve immediately.