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
- 4 Servings
- 5 Ingredients
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:
Instructions:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 Facts | |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 170 grams |
| Energy | |
| Calories 570kcal | 29% |
| Protein | |
| Protein 30g | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | |
| Carbohydrates 63g | 19% |
| Fiber 2.72g | 7% |
| Sugar 2.35g | 2% |
| Fat | |
| Fat 24g | 28% |
| Saturated 7g | 25% |
| Cholesterol 200mg | - |
| Vitamins | |
| Vitamin A 90ug | 10% |
| Choline 170mg | 31% |
| Vitamin B1 1.00mg | 83% |
| Vitamin B2 0.61mg | 47% |
| Vitamin B3 10mg | 63% |
| Vitamin B6 0.35mg | 21% |
| Vitamin B9 230ug | 57% |
| Vitamin B12 0.88ug | 37% |
| Vitamin C 0.00mg | 0% |
| Vitamin E 0.68mg | 5% |
| Vitamin K 0.31ug | 0% |
| Minerals | |
| Calcium, Ca 100mg | 8% |
| Copper, Cu 0.29mg | 32% |
| Iron, Fe 3.82mg | 35% |
| Magnesium, Mg 66mg | 15% |
| Phosphorus, P 420mg | 33% |
| Potassium, K 440mg | 13% |
| Selenium, Se 90ug | 158% |
| Sodium, Na 800mg | 53% |
| Zinc, Zn 3.10mg | 28% |
| 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. | |
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