Light Pasta Carbonara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Experience a delightful twist on the classic Pasta Carbonara with this Light Pasta Carbonara recipe from Love With Recipes. Perfect for a quick yet satisfying meal, this dish is sure to impress with its creamy texture and savory flavors, all while being a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Let’s dive into the details and make this delectable European favorite!
Ingredients:
- 4 strips of bacon – diced into small pieces
- 2 cups pasta – any type of your choice, but preferably a shorter variety like penne or fusilli for better sauce adherence
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – adds a rich, nutty flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley – chopped finely for a burst of freshness
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – to season the dish with a subtle kick
- 1 cup 2% low-fat milk – for a creamy yet lighter sauce
- 1 cup egg substitute – provides the creamy texture of traditional carbonara without the cholesterol
Instructions:
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Cook the Bacon:
- Begin by heating a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until it turns crisp and golden brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon pieces to a plate lined with paper towels, allowing them to drain and become extra crispy.
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Prepare the Garlic:
- In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until the garlic becomes fragrant and tender, being careful not to let it burn.
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Cook the Pasta:
- While you’re preparing the bacon and garlic, cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
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Combine Ingredients:
- Reduce the heat on your skillet to low. Add the cooked pasta, crispy bacon, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and black pepper to the skillet. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients and allow the cheese to start melting.
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Make the Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg substitute and 2% low-fat milk until well blended. Pour this mixture over the pasta in the skillet, stirring constantly for about 3 minutes. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta evenly. This step ensures a creamy consistency without the need for heavy cream or eggs.
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Serve:
- Once the sauce has reached your desired thickness, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Light Pasta Carbonara immediately, garnished with additional parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 422.3
- Fat: 5.8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2.1 grams
- Cholesterol: 15.5 milligrams
- Sodium: 227.5 milligrams
- Carbohydrates: 72.2 grams
- Fiber: 3.1 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 18.5 grams
Enjoy this lighter take on a beloved classic, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. With its creamy texture, rich flavor, and reduced calories, this Light Pasta Carbonara from Love With Recipes will become a favorite in your meal rotation. Bon appétit! 🍝✨
