Category: turkey bacon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Using turkey bacon reduces fat without losing the delicious smoky flavor. Instead of substitutions, I simply use less of the indulgent ingredients (except cream, which I do skip). Combining eggs and pasta water retains the creamy texture of classic carbonara.
• Quick and Easy: This carbonara recipe is ready in under 30 minutes making it perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal.
• Comfort Food: Despite being lighter, this carbonara remains creamy, comforting, and absolutely delicious! Want another healthy yet comforting recipe? Try my Roast Vegetable Pasta recipe!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this delicious pasta dish! It feels indulgent without the guilt and is a total crowd pleaser.

The Ingredients

• Spaghetti: Spaghetti is the heart of the dish, providing the perfect base for picking up the creamy sauce.
• Turkey bacon: I opt for this leaner bacon option that still provides the essential smoky taste.
• Small onion: Sautéed diced onion adds flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish
• Garlic cloves, minced: No pasta is complete without garlic – the aromatic, savory note that complements the bacon and cheese.
• Large eggs: Eggs are what creates the rich, creamy sauce that binds the dish together.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor and is the ingredient that helps thickens the sauce.

*For a full list of ingredients and instructions see the recipe card below*

How to Make Lightened Up Spaghetti Carbonara

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot. 

Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook, stirring occasionally so it cooks evenly, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the onions and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft, about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Whisk together the eggs and cheese in a small bowl.

Step 5: Add cooked pasta to the egg mixture and stir immediately (so the eggs don’t curdle). Add the sautéed bacon and onions and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water*. Toss to combine and serve immediately. (*see cook’s note in recipe card below). 

Tips and Tricks

• Prevent Curdling: Make sure to add the egg and cheese mixture to the hot pasta off the heat to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save the pasta water! It’s crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency.
• Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed right away while the sauce is at its creamiest. If you’re not planning to serve immediately, toss with the remaining 1/2 cup warm pasta water just before serving.

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