Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Carbonara
Indulge in a guilt-free twist on an Italian classic with our Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Carbonara recipe. Featuring whole wheat spaghetti, crispy turkey bacon, and a silky sauce made with eggs and freshly grated Parmesan, this dish delivers rich, creamy flavors while keeping your heart in mind. A splash of olive oil and fragrant garlic infuse the pasta with irresistible aroma, while fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color to the final plate. Ready in just 35 minutes, this lighter take on carbonara maintains its authentic, comforting taste while using smarter, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings, this recipe strikes the ideal balance between indulgence and nutrition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- 2 whole large eggs
- 2 whole egg yolks
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt.
Cook the whole wheat spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of the pasta water and drain the rest.
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the turkey bacon and cook until it becomes crispy, about 5-7 minutes, then remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and 3/4 cup of the parmesan cheese.
Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water into the egg mixture, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
Combine the drained pasta, garlic, and turkey bacon in the skillet over low heat, then pour in the egg and cheese mixture.
Stir continuously, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency, for about 3-4 minutes.
Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and distribute evenly on serving plates.
Garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1974 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 112.8 g | 145% | |
| Saturated Fat | 54.4 g | 272% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 998 mg | 333% | |
| Sodium | 5824 mg | 253% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 108.9 g | 40% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.4 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.4 g | ||
| Protein | 139.4 g | 279% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.4 mcg | 17% | |
| Calcium | 2871 mg | 221% | |
| Iron | 9.6 mg | 53% | |
| Potassium | 1464 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
