Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into 1-inch strips
  • 0.5 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 4 oz pancetta, diced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 cup Pecorino Romano cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1 lb spaghetti
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced pancetta until the fat is rendered and the meat is mahogany-colored and crispy. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan.
  2. Season 1 lb chicken strips lightly with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with pancetta fat, sear the chicken strips for 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove proteins from the pan and set aside.
  3. Add 0.5 lb shrimp to the same pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn opaque and form a pink 'C' shape. Toss in the 3 cloves of minced garlic during the last 30 seconds so it becomes fragrant without burning. Remove the shrimp and garlic from the pan and set aside.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 1 lb spaghetti and cook until just shy of al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water before draining.
  5. In a heat-resistant mixing bowl, whisk together the 3 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano, 0.5 cup Parmesan, 0.25 cup heavy cream, and 1 tsp cracked black pepper until a thick paste forms.
  6. Add the hot, drained pasta to the skillet, which should be turned OFF now. The residual heat of the pan is all you need.
  7. Slowly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta while tossing constantly with tongs. Gradually add splashes of the 0.5 cup reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce. Re-incorporate the chicken, shrimp, and pancetta, tossing until coated and heated through. Garnish with 2 tbsp parsley and serve immediately.