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!

  • 08 Mar 2025
  • Cook time 20 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 5 Ingredients

Lower-fat spaghetti carbonara

{'title': 'Lower-fat Spaghetti Carbonara', 'description': "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."}

Ingredients:

12 oz pasta
340g
6 bacon strips
150g
3 eggs
150g
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
27g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g

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.

{'summary': '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 Facts
Serving Size170 grams
Energy
Calories 570kcal29%
Protein
Protein 30g20%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 63g19%
Fiber 2.72g7%
Sugar 2.35g2%
Fat
Fat 24g28%
Saturated 7g25%
Cholesterol 200mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 90ug10%
Choline 170mg31%
Vitamin B1 1.00mg83%
Vitamin B2 0.61mg47%
Vitamin B3 10mg63%
Vitamin B6 0.35mg21%
Vitamin B9 230ug57%
Vitamin B12 0.88ug37%
Vitamin C 0.00mg0%
Vitamin E 0.68mg5%
Vitamin K 0.31ug0%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 100mg8%
Copper, Cu 0.29mg32%
Iron, Fe 3.82mg35%
Magnesium, Mg 66mg15%
Phosphorus, P 420mg33%
Potassium, K 440mg13%
Selenium, Se 90ug158%
Sodium, Na 800mg53%
Zinc, Zn 3.10mg28%
Water
Water 45g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

More recipes

No-sugar spiced chai chia pudding

Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors in every creamy bite.

24 Apr 2025

Watercress, smoked salmon and egg salad

Easy to prepare with just the right balance of flavors.

27 Jan 2025

Turkey stuffed bell peppers

Perfect for a satisfying dinner that's both nutritious and delicious.

12 Apr 2025

Basic beef and red wine casserole

Seasoned to perfection with fresh parsley, salt, and pepper, it's a comforting classic that’s easy to prepare and delightful to enjoy.

24 Apr 2025

Pork chops with horseradish apples

Perfect for a gourmet dinner at home.

09 Apr 2025

Strawberry, cashew and avocado cream smoothie

Perfect for a refreshing, protein-packed breakfast or snack.

13 Apr 2025

Roasted tofu and brussels sprouts

Perfect for weeknight dinners or nutritious meal prepping.

24 Feb 2025

Banana buttermilk hotcakes with kaffir lime syrup

Easy to make and absolutely delicious.

08 Apr 2025

Posts