Pasta Carbonara

Pasta Carbonara is a creamy, savory dish that marries al dente pasta with a luscious sauce made from eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta. This healthy twist maintains the classic flavors while incorporating wholesome ingredients for a satisfying American lunch.

Ingredients

• Whole wheat spaghetti - 160 grams
• Pancetta (or turkey bacon) - 100 grams, diced
• Eggs - 2 large
• Parmesan cheese - 50 grams, grated
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Black pepper - 1 teaspoon, freshly ground
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt - to taste

Steps

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the diced pancetta. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper until well combined.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and immediately add it to the skillet with the pancetta and garlic.
6. Remove the skillet from heat, and quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta, stirring vigorously to create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 210 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Whole wheat pasta provides more fiber and nutrients compared to regular pasta.
• Using turkey bacon reduces saturated fat while still providing a savory flavor.

Tags