Creamy No-Egg Carbonara with Turkey Bacon
This delightful twist on traditional carbonara creamily unites flavors without using eggs or cream. Instead of heavy cream, we create a rich, comforting sauce with low-fat ingredients that bring out the savory notes of turkey bacon, onion, and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, this recipe delivers the creamy texture and hearty flavor cravings without the heaviness, and it's ready in just 30 minutes! Ideal for busy families and health-conscious diners alike.
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti
16 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
turkey bacon or regular bacon
1 cup (chopped)
onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
garlic
2-3 cloves (minced)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups (none)
low-fat sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley leaves
1/4 cup (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by cooking the spaghetti according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2
2. While the spaghetti cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon (or regular bacon) and sauté until it becomes golden brown and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
3
3. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, stirring frequently. Sauté for another 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4
4. Stir in the dried oregano and cook for an additional minute to release its flavors.
5
5. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the bacon and onion mixture, stirring well to incorporate it and create a roux.
6
6. Gradually pour in the low-fat milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens, stirring often.
7
7. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the low-fat sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley until well combined.
8
8. Season the sauce to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
9
9. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, incorporate the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
10
10. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
40g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy No-Egg Carbonara with Turkey Bacon?
It is a lighter twist on traditional carbonara that uses a roux-based milk sauce and sour cream instead of eggs or heavy cream.
Does this recipe contain eggs?
No, this specific version of carbonara is made without any eggs.
How long does it take to prepare this meal?
The recipe is quick and can be ready in just 30 minutes.
What makes the sauce creamy if there is no cream or eggs?
The creaminess is achieved by making a roux with flour and low-fat milk, then finishing with low-fat sour cream.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1 cup of chopped turkey bacon or regular bacon depending on your preference.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What kind of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 16 ounces of spaghetti, cooked al dente.
Is this recipe suitable for health-conscious diners?
Yes, it uses low-fat milk, low-fat sour cream, and turkey bacon to provide a hearty flavor without the heaviness of traditional recipes.
Why should I reserve pasta water?
Reserved pasta water is used to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it becomes too thick when tossing with the pasta.
How much fat is in this carbonara?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 11 grams of protein per serving.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses dried oregano for the sauce and fresh parsley leaves for flavor and garnish.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring the flour and bacon mixture to create a smooth sauce.
Is there cheese in the recipe?
Yes, it includes 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I add more garlic?
The recipe suggests 2-3 cloves of minced garlic, but you can adjust this to your personal taste.
When should I add the sour cream?
The sour cream should be stirred in after the skillet has been removed from the heat to ensure a smooth texture.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the purpose of the flour?
The all-purpose flour is used to create a roux that thickens the milk into a creamy sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, its creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a great option for family dinners.
What type of milk is recommended?
The recipe recommends using low-fat milk to keep the dish lighter.
How much onion is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chopped onion.
Do I need to sauté the bacon first?
Yes, sauté the bacon for 5-7 minutes until it becomes golden brown and crispy before adding other ingredients.
Can I use dried parsley?
While fresh parsley is recommended for the best flavor, dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
How should I serve this dish?
Serve it immediately while hot, garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese if desired.
Is this a one-pot meal?
It is a two-pot process: one pot for boiling the spaghetti and a large skillet for preparing the sauce and combining the dish.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While spaghetti is traditional, you can substitute with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
How much sour cream is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of low-fat sour cream.
What does al dente mean?
Al dente means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite, which helps it hold up when tossed with the sauce.
Does the recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, you should season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include carbonara, pasta, no egg, no cream, quick meals, and comfort food.