Hey there, pasta lovers!
Are you ready to try a fun twist on a classic dish? I’ve got an awesome recipe for you today!
It’s carbonara with zoodles! Yep, that’s right—zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
This dish is creamy, flavorful, and way lighter than regular carbonara.
Perfect for those cozy nights or when you just want something delicious and healthy.
Let’s dive in and whip this up!
Ingredient Substitutions
Zucchini can be replaced with spaghetti squash or butternut squash noodles for a similar low-carb option. These alternatives provide a comparable texture and mild flavor while offering different nutritional benefits. Adjust cooking time as needed to achieve desired tenderness.
Bacon can be substituted with pancetta or prosciutto for a more authentic Italian flavor, or with smoked tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe, adjusting cooking time if necessary.
Parmesan cheese can be swapped with nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative that provides a similar umami flavor and cheesy texture. Use about 1/3 cup of nutritional yeast to replace the 1/2 cup of Parmesan, as it has a stronger flavor. For those who can consume dairy but want a different option, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano cheese can be used as direct substitutes for Parmesan.
| Preparation Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 600-650
- Protein: 35-40 g
- Fat: 45-50 g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 g
Ingredients
- 1 large zucchini
- 4 rashers of bacon
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Noodles
Start by spiralizing the zucchini to create noodles.
Set these zucchini noodles aside until you’re ready to cook them.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Garlic
In a large skillet, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy.
Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
Add the spiralized zucchini noodles to the skillet with the garlic and bacon drippings.
Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are slightly softened.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
Once the zucchini noodles are cooked, remove the skillet from the heat.
Quickly pour the egg mixture over the noodles, stirring constantly to form a creamy sauce.
The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, creating a luscious coating over the noodles.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked bacon back into the skillet with the zucchini noodles and sauce.
Mix everything well to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Enjoy your flavorful zucchini noodle carbonara!
