Mediterranean Diet Chicken Carbonara

Transform your weeknight dinner with this mouthwatering Mediterranean Diet Chicken Carbonara—a wholesome twist on the classic Italian favorite! This healthier version swaps traditional pasta for nutty whole wheat spaghetti and enriches the dish with lean, golden-browned chicken breast. A luxurious, creamy sauce made from a blend of Pecorino Romano and Parmesan cheeses, whisked with eggs, coats each strand of pasta without the need for heavy cream. Subtle Mediterranean flavors shine through with the zest of fresh lemon, vibrant parsley, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes, this satisfying meal delivers a high-protein, nutrient-packed option that’s perfect for health-conscious food lovers. Serve it warm and topped with a sprinkle of herbs and cheese for a restaurant-quality finish. Your taste buds—and your guests—are sure to thank you!

Nutriscore Rating: 60/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces whole wheat spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 pieces garlic cloves, minced
• 4 pieces large eggs
• 1 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta well.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, cut the chicken breasts into thin strips.

Step 3

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, Pecorino Romano, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and sea salt until well combined.

Step 5

Reduce the skillet heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken. Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring quickly to coat the strands while preventing egg from scrambling. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6

Mix in lemon zest and juice, tossing to distribute evenly.

Step 7

Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated cheese and parsley if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1392.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2965.8

Total Fat 153.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 71.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 1434.5mg	0%
Sodium 7186.7mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 110.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.9g	0%
Total Sugars 4.0g
Protein 291.9g	0%

Vitamin D 164.5IU	0%
Calcium 3767.4mg	0%
Iron 15.2mg	0%
Potassium 2354.3mg	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: 46.2%

Protein: 39.0%

Carbs: 14.8%