Imagine twirling your fork into a creamy, luxurious pasta dish that looks like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant, but can be prepared faster than you can order takeout. This Quick Healthy Pasta Carbonara is your ticket to an incredible meal that balances indulgence with nutrition, proving that gourmet cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Get ready to transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that will make your taste buds dance and impress even the most discerning dinner guests!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g spaghetti
- 100g pancetta or bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 50g grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, dice the pancetta or bacon into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.
- In a large skillet, cook the pancetta over medium heat until crisp and golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes. The fat will render out, creating a flavorful base.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of black pepper, and a small amount of salt until well combined.
- When pasta is cooked, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti.
- Immediately add hot pasta to the skillet with pancetta, removing from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta, stirring rapidly to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to create a creamy, smooth consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional grated Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: The secret to a silky smooth carbonara is controlling heat. Remove the pan from direct heat when adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta cooking water. Its starchy nature helps create a perfectly creamy sauce and can rescue a sauce that's too thick.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality Parmesan and fresh eggs make a significant difference in the final flavor and texture.
- Work Quickly: Once eggs are added, stir rapidly to create a smooth, glossy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.
- Serve Immediately: Carbonara is best enjoyed right after cooking when the sauce is at its creamiest and the pancetta is crisp.
- Optional Health Boost: Consider using whole wheat pasta for added fiber, or add some sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 500kcal
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 220mg
