Creamy Spinach and Tomato Carbonara
Indulge in a rich and creamy twist on the classic pasta carbonara with the delightful addition of fresh spinach and juicy tomatoes. This dish combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon with the vibrant taste of fresh baby spinach and ripe tomatoes, creating a tantalizing harmony in every bite. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or as an impressive dish for guests, this creamy carbonara is sure to please everyone at the table. For those using fresh Roma tomatoes, don't forget to blanch them and remove the skin for the best results.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Baby Spinach
6 ounces (Rinsed and roughly chopped)
Butter
1 tablespoon (Melted)
Thick Bacon
6 slices (Chopped)
Onion
1 small (Finely chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (Minced)
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
1/4 teaspoon (Optional, adjusted to taste)
Dry White Wine
2 tablespoons (N/A)
Diced Tomatoes
14 ounces (Drained (or use 2 Roma tomatoes, chopped))
Uncooked Spaghetti
8 ounces (N/A)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (N/A)
Large Eggs
2 (N/A)
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
To taste (N/A)
Fresh Parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. If preferred, omit the butter and use a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray. Add the fresh baby spinach and sauté, stirring until the spinach wilts. Once wilted, transfer the spinach to a bowl and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, add the chopped thick bacon and cook until crisp, approximately 3 minutes. Once ready, remove the bacon from the skillet and transfer it to the bowl with the spinach, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor enhancements.
3
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet drippings and sauté for 3 minutes until softened. Incorporate the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring continuously for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4
Pour in the dry white wine and add the drained diced tomatoes. Stir and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes before removing the skillet from heat.
5
While the vegetables are cooking, boil a pot of water for the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember not to add salt or fat to the pot to keep the dish light. Drain the spaghetti well and immediately toss it in the skillet with the tomato and spinach mixture.
6
Add the sautéed spinach and bacon back into the skillet with the spaghetti, stirring everything together to combine evenly. Place the skillet over low heat.
7
In a small bowl, whisk together the large eggs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Pour this mixture over the spaghetti, and gently toss with tongs to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the heat to slightly cook the eggs and create a creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat.
8
Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste and add salt if desired. Remove the skillet from the heat, and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for extra flavor.
9
Serve the dish warm, allowing guests to add extra Parmesan cheese as desired.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
12.7g
Carbs
5.7g
Protein
0.7g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spinach and Tomato Carbonara?
It is a rich and creamy variation of the classic pasta carbonara that incorporates fresh baby spinach, juicy tomatoes, and savory crispy bacon.
How many calories are in a serving of this carbonara?
There are 120 calories per serving of this recipe.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 4g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates and protein are in each serving?
Each serving contains 12.7g of carbohydrates and 5.7g of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there is 0.7g of fiber per serving.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of uncooked spaghetti.
How much fresh baby spinach is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of fresh baby spinach for this dish.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The spinach should be rinsed, roughly chopped, and sautéed in butter until wilted.
Can I make this recipe without butter?
Yes, you can omit the butter and use a non-stick skillet sprayed with cooking spray to sauté the spinach.
How long should the bacon be cooked?
The chopped thick bacon should be cooked for approximately 3 minutes until it becomes crisp.
How much bacon fat should remain in the skillet?
Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet for flavor enhancement when cooking the vegetables.
How long do I sauté the onion?
Sauté the finely chopped onion for 3 minutes until it has softened.
When do I add the garlic and red pepper flakes?
Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes after the onion has softened, then stir for another 2 minutes.
How much dry white wine is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of dry white wine.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use 2 chopped Roma tomatoes as a substitute for the 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
What is the tip for using fresh Roma tomatoes?
If using fresh Roma tomatoes, it is recommended to blanch them and remove the skin for the best results.
Should I add salt to the pasta water?
No, the recipe suggests not adding salt or fat to the boiling water to keep the dish light.
What texture should the spaghetti have?
The spaghetti should be cooked according to package instructions until it is al dente.
How is the creamy carbonara sauce made?
The sauce is created by whisking together 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, which is then tossed with the hot pasta.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving if desired.
How do I ensure the eggs create a sauce rather than scrambling?
Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pasta in the skillet over low heat and gently toss with tongs to coat evenly.
How long do I cook the pasta once the egg mixture is added?
Cook the pasta for an additional 1-2 minutes on low heat after adding the egg and cheese mixture.
How should I season the finished dish?
Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste and add salt if desired.
What garnish is used for this carbonara?
The dish is finished with 3 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley.
How many ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish for guests as well as a comforting weeknight dinner.
What type of bacon should I buy?
The recipe recommends using 6 slices of thick bacon.
How much red pepper flakes should be added?
Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, though this can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How long should the tomato and wine mixture simmer?
Let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes before removing it from the heat.
How should the final dish be served?
Serve the dish warm and provide extra Parmesan cheese for guests to add as they like.