Mediterranean Diet Classic Pasta Carbonara

Reimagine a timeless favorite with our Mediterranean Diet Classic Pasta Carbonara, a heart-healthy twist on the traditional Italian dish. This recipe swaps out regular pasta for nutrient-rich whole grain spaghetti and uses extra-virgin olive oil in place of butter, aligning with Mediterranean diet principles while preserving the creamy, indulgent flavors you love. Featuring crispy guanciale or pancetta, a rich Pecorino Romano and egg-based sauce, and a hint of freshly ground black pepper, this dish is a harmony of simplicity and sophistication. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect choice for a nutritious yet satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it piping hot with an extra sprinkle of Pecorino for a truly authentic dining experience.

Nutriscore Rating: 50/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams whole grain spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 150 grams guanciale or pancetta
• 3 units large eggs
• 1 unit egg yolk
• 100 grams Pecorino Romano cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the guanciale or pancetta and cook until crispy, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and grated Pecorino Romano cheese until well combined. Season with freshly ground black pepper.

Step 4

Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the guanciale or pancetta. Toss to combine and to coat the pasta with the rendered fat.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from the heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the hot pasta while tossing continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired creamy consistency.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 7

Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Pecorino Romano and more black pepper, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(852.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2389.5

Total Fat 185.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 68.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 947.5mg	0%
Sodium 6690.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 111.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 18.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.3g
Protein 84.4g	0%

Vitamin D 138.2IU	0%
Calcium 1192.4mg	0%
Iron 11.2mg	0%
Potassium 1140.2mg	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: 68.0%

Protein: 13.8%

Carbs: 18.2%