Dong some reading as well as what I learned from family, it is pasta "Whores Style". Ok....I didn't know that prostitutes were known for their cooking. But check out Wiki for some interesting reading.
I use to think of it as what was in the refrigerator just thrown together. You know like a bunch of left over stuff sauteed in a pan then tossed with pasta. After a while it became more standardized with these ingredients.
This version is one with cream. The classic Carbonara is made with egg, pancetta and Parmesan. You may substitute red pepper flakes if you like instead of the black pepper.
If your not into the pancetta then try using a great smoked bacon. Some recipes I came across use sweet peas as well. Not classic but still great. Click on the image and it will take your to another site Sunset which has the cream free version.
We would enjoy it with Fussili, the long Naples version, topped with fresh grated cheese from the chunk of cheese and grater on the table.
This version I roasted and simmered the chicken in vegetables in sauce. I personally prefer a cut up young chicken but you may substitute and use chicken breast as well.My father made this recipe with rabbit and it was also great! Hummm....maybe that's why they had rabbits in a pen by the garage?
This version of Polenta uses chicken stock, heavy cream, mozzarella and parmesan cheese making it silky and creamy!
I suggest you serve it as an accompaniment to Chicken Cacciatore, Braised Shortribs, Braised Lamb Shanks and especially with slow cooked meats like Beef Brasiole and Italian Sausage
