Country Ham Carbonara

Southern Living Apr 2012

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 (9 ounce) package  refrigerated fettuccine
• 3⁄4 cup  chopped country ham
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 2  shallots, thinly sliced
• 2  garlic cloves, pressed
• 2  pasteurized  egg yolks
• 1⁄2 cup  freshly shredded parmesan cheese
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh chives
• 3  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly cracked pepper

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain, reserving 1 1/2 cups hot pasta water.
2. Cook ham in hot oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes or until crisp. Remove ham, reserving drippings in skillet. Drain on paper towels.
3. Sauté shallots in hot drippings 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Stir in garlic; sauté 1 minute. Add reserved pasta water to shallots and garlic; bring to boil.
4. Stir in hot cooked pasta, and remove from heat. Stir in egg yolks, 1 at a time.
5. Reduce heat to medium, and cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes or until creamy. Remove from heat; add cooked ham, Parmesan cheese, and remaining ingredients.
6. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.