Zucchini Noodle Carbonara

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 20 minutes

Embrace the beloved essence of traditional Carbonara while nourishing your body with our Zucchini Noodle Carbonara with a Twist – a culinary revelation born from a quest to harmonize indulgence and well-being.

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I have always been a fan of the classic Carbonara – the creamy sauce, the savory pancetta, and that indulgent feeling. But as I embarked on my journey towards healthier eating, I knew I needed to find a way to enjoy this comfort dish without compromising my well-being. That's when I stumbled upon the idea of using zucchini noodles as a base. The result? A Zucchini Noodle Carbonara with a Twist that satisfies my cravings while aligning with my healthier lifestyle.

Ingredients

🍽️ Servings: 2 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 500

2 large zucchinis, spiralized or julienned into noodles
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 oz pancetta or bacon, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Steps

Step 1

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous amount of black pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta or bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the pancetta from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3

In the same skillet with the rendered fat, sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 4

Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet and toss them in the garlic-infused fat. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they are just tender, being careful not to overcook.

Step 5

Remove the skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the zucchini noodles, tossing vigorously to coat the noodles evenly. The residual heat from the skillet will gently cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce.

Step 6

Return the cooked pancetta to the skillet and mix well.

Step 7

Divide the zucchini noodle carbonara between serving plates, and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of black pepper.

Make it your own!

Add some sautéed mushrooms for extra earthy flavors and textures.
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Gouda for a unique twist.
🌿 Make it Vegetarian: Omit pancetta and introduce a hint of smokiness using smoked paprika
🥕 Make it Vegan: replace eggs with a plant-based alternative such as a silken tofu blended with nutritional yeast. Omit the cheese or substitute with your favorite vegan cheese. Omit pancetta and introduce a hint of smokiness using smoked paprika