If you thought a creamy, satisfying bowl of pasta carbonara was off-limits on a healthy diet, think again! This heart-healthy recipe delivers all the rich flavor you crave by making a few smart swaps. We use lean turkey bacon instead of pancetta and create a luscious, velvety sauce without any heavy cream. It's a quick and satisfying version of the Italian classic you can enjoy any night of the week.
This pasta carbonara is designed to be heart-healthy by focusing on three key areas: reducing saturated fat with lean turkey bacon, controlling sodium, and incorporating whole grains for added fiber. The creamy sauce is achieved through a classic technique using egg yolks and pasta water, eliminating the need for high-fat heavy cream.
This version is designed to be a better choice for a cholesterol-conscious diet. By using turkey bacon and no heavy cream, we've significantly lowered the saturated fat, which is a key factor in managing cholesterol levels.
For another lean protein option, you could use diced, cooked chicken breast. For a vegetarian alternative, sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu would add a savory, umami flavor to the dish.
Absolutely. To reduce calories further, you can use a smaller portion of pasta, add more non-starchy vegetables like spinach or zucchini, and ensure you're using the leanest turkey bacon available.
Rich, creamy sauces, bubbly cheese, and zesty marinara shine in these satisfying main courses. It's all the traditional taste you love in a healthier package.
Choose any of these simple and tasty sides to complete your healthy meal.
Recipe yields 12 servings
Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add pasta. Cook until al dente and drain in a colander, reserving 1 cup pasta water. Set pasta water aside. In a large bowl, toss pasta with Romano cheese.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium heat until hot. Add turkey bacon and cook until bacon begins to brown. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and heat until hot. Add the garlic, scallion, peas, red pepper and wine. Mix together and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes.
In a bowl, stir together egg yolks and reserved pasta water until combined. Add turkey bacon mixture and stir to combine. Pour sauce over pasta and toss to coat evenly. Garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve immediately