Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Carbonara

Indulge in the creamy comfort of "Heart-Healthy Classic Spaghetti Carbonara," a guilt-free twist on the beloved Italian classic. This wholesome dish swaps traditional pasta for fiber-rich whole wheat spaghetti and uses crispy turkey bacon to deliver a lower-fat alternative to pancetta. A velvety sauce made from eggs, egg yolks, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese coats every strand, while a hint of minced garlic and cracked black pepper add irresistible depth of flavor. With olive oil as the heart-healthy fat of choice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Ready in just 35 minutes, it proves that you don’t have to sacrifice indulgence for mindful eating. Perfect for those searching for a healthier carbonara, low-fat pasta recipes, or heart-conscious meals.

Nutriscore Rating: 53/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sea salt.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, then remove from heat.

Step 6

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and 3/4 cup of the parmesan cheese.

Step 7

Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water into the egg mixture, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 8

Combine the drained pasta, garlic, and turkey bacon in the skillet over low heat, then pour in the egg and cheese mixture.

Step 9

Stir continuously, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency, for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 10

Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste and distribute evenly on serving plates.

Step 11

Garnish with the remaining parmesan cheese and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(787.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1974.3

Total Fat 112.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 54.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 997.9mg	0%
Sodium 5824.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 108.9g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.4g	0%
Total Sugars 5.4g
Protein 139.4g	0%

Vitamin D 137.7IU	0%
Calcium 2871.0mg	0%
Iron 9.6mg	0%
Potassium 1463.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.5%

Protein: 27.8%

Carbs: 21.7%