Photo Credit: Drizzle Me Skinny.
Looking for a guilt-free take on a classic Italian favorite? Try this lightened-up Weight Watchers Spaghetti Carbonara! With healthier swaps like whole-wheat spaghetti, spiralized zucchini, and turkey bacon, this dish keeps the points low while delivering full-bodied flavor. The combination of creamy, cheesy sauce with a touch of pepper makes for a satisfying meal thatโs easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy the rich taste of carbonara without the extra calories.
Ingredients
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- 1 teaspoon olive oil (4.5 ml)
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped (about 100 g)
- 1 cup smoked turkey ham, diced (150 g)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g)
- 1 cup skim milk (240 ml)
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 cups cooked whole wheat spaghetti (240 g)
- 2 cups raw zucchini noodles (200 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (25 g, optional)
Instructions for Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara
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Indulge in a rich and satisfying dish with these instructions for making Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara. Enjoy perfectly cooked spaghetti tossed in a velvety sauce of eggs, cheese, and crispy pancetta, delivering a classic Italian comfort food that’s both decadent and easy to prepare.
Prepare the Ingredients
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Cook whole wheat spaghetti until al dente and set aside. Spiralize zucchini into noodles and set aside.
Mix the Cornstarch and Milk
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In a small bowl, combine egg yolks, cornstarch, and skim milk. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Sautรฉ the Onion and Turkey Ham
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sautรฉ finely chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add diced smoked turkey ham and cook until lightly browned and crispy, about 5-6 minutes.
Combine and Cook
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Reduce heat to low. Slowly pour the egg mixture into the skillet, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Cook until the mixture thickens.
Add the Spaghetti and Zucchini Noodles
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Add cooked spaghetti and raw zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss to coat the noodles with the sauce. Cook on low heat for 2-3 minutes until the zucchini noodles are slightly tender but still crisp.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. For a richer flavor, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
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- Use Turkey Bacon: For a different flavor, try turkey bacon instead of smoked turkey ham.
- Minimize Points: Replace the whole wheat spaghetti with only zucchini noodles to cut down on Points.
- Add Chicken Cubes: Incorporate cooked chicken cubes for added protein and a more filling meal.
Tips and Tricks for Making Carbonara
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- Avoid Scrambled Eggs: To prevent scrambled eggs, sautรฉ the onions and turkey ham until crispy first. Then, beat the milk with egg yolks and cornstarch. Gradually add this mixture to the pan and stir as it thickens, adding the pasta only when the sauce is nearly ready. Ensure your spaghetti and zucchini noodles are cooked and ready before starting the sauce.
- Serve Immediately: For the best creamy consistency, serve the carbonara right after cooking.
- Adjust Parmesan to Taste: Add Parmesan to your liking. While it can be high in Points and potent in flavor, you can use more if preferred, as traditional recipes often include more cheese.
