Lower-fat spaghetti carbonara

Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic Italian favorite with our Lower-Fat Spaghetti Carbonara! Made with whole grain pasta, lean bacon, fresh eggs, and a touch of olive oil, this recipe offers all the rich, creamy flavor you love with reduced fat. Perfect for a guilt-free, delicious dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

09 Nov 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta
6 bacon strips
3 eggs
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Lower-fat spaghetti carbonara

This lower-fat version of the classic spaghetti carbonara is a delicious and healthier take on an Italian favorite. By using fewer bacon strips and eggs but still maintaining the rich and creamy texture, you can enjoy this comfort food with a little less guilt. Let's dive into how to prepare this delectable dish.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water and then drain the pasta. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the beaten eggs and mix well to combine. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cook the Bacon:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Chop the bacon strips into small pieces and add them to the skillet.
- Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Combine Pasta and Bacon:
- Once the bacon is cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet with the bacon.
- Toss the pasta and bacon together, ensuring that the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
5. Add the Egg Mixture:
- Turn off the heat under the skillet to avoid scrambling the eggs.
- Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring constantly to create a silky sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will cook the eggs without scrambling them.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency.
6. Season and Serve:
- Season the carbonara with freshly ground black pepper and salt to taste.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a touch of color.

Tips:

- Use whole grain or legume pasta to increase fiber and nutrient content.

- Opt for turkey bacon or a similar low-fat alternative to further reduce fat content.

- Add ingredients like garlic or spinach to boost flavor and nutritional value without adding extra fat.

- Reserve some of the pasta cooking water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

- Mix the eggs and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl before adding to the pasta to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.

With a few simple ingredient swaps and cooking techniques, you can enjoy a lighter version of the beloved spaghetti carbonara without sacrificing flavor. This lower-fat recipe offers a satisfying and nutritious meal that is perfect for any day of the week. Bon appétit!

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 570kcal
Protein 30g
Carbohydrates 63g
Fiber 2.72g
Sugar 2.35g
Fat 24g

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