Bucatini with Guanciale, Spinach, Toasted Walnut Crumbs and Poached Egg

1 pound bucatini pasta

8 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

1/3 cup toasted walnuts, chopped

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon salt, divided

7 ounces guanciale or pancetta, diced

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

8 ounces baby spinach

1 cup fresh or frozen peas

1 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

4-6 large eggs

1. Bring an wide stockpot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions; drain reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid.
2. In the same pot, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over medium heat. Add the walnuts and cook, stirring, 30 seconds. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until golden, about 3 minutes. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; transfer to a bowl and reserve.
3. Wipe out pot with a paper towel and return to the stove. Add the guanciale and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, 6-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon. Add the remaining 5 tablespoons oil, garlic and red pepper flakes to the pot and cook until golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in the spinach and peas and cook 3 minutes. Stir in the reserved guanciale and cook 2 minutes. Add the pasta, 1/2 cup cooking liquid and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt; cook, tossing, until liquid thickens and pasta is heated through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in, 3/4 of the breadcrumb mixture, basil and cheese. Divide among serving plates and sprinkle with the remaining breadcrumb mixture.
4. Meanwhile, bring 2-inches of water to a bare simmer in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Working one at a time, break an egg into a small cup and gently pour into the water; repeat. Cook eggs, occasionally spooning hot water over the top of each, until the whites are firm and the yolks are creamy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Lift the eggs out, one at a time, with a slotted spoon and dab the bottom with a dry paper towel to remove excess water. Place each egg on top of a plate of pasta. Serve immediately.