Lower fat carbonara recipe

This lower fat carbonara is a speedy family favourite that only takes 15 minutes to cook. 

Plus, using fresh pasta would mean it's on the table even quicker. We’ve given the family favourite a lighter makeover by using lean bacon and lower-fat soft cheese, but it’s still creamy and comforting. There are only four steps in the method and you can let the kids help with the preparation if you like. 

Ingredients

• 300g penne, dried pasta shapes or spaghetti
• 1 tsp vegetable oil
• 4 rashers lean back bacon (or use turkey rashers), snipped into pieces
• 1 bunch spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped
• 150g lower-fat soft cheese with garlic and herbs
• 1 large egg
• 150ml 1% fat milk
• 40g reduced fat Parmesan or reduced fat mature cheese, finely grated
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Method

1. Bring a large saucepan of water to the boil. Add the pasta or spaghetti and cook for 8-12 minutes, according to pack instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan. Add the bacon and spring onions and cook them for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Remove from the heat.
3. Beat together the soft cheese and egg in a mixing bowl, then stir in the bacon and spring onions. Add the milk, half the cheese and the parsley (if using). Season with some freshly ground black pepper.
4. Drain the pasta, then return it to the saucepan. Add the egg mixture and heat gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture cooks and thickens. Serve, sprinkled with the remaining cheese and more black pepper, if you like.

Top tips for making this lower fat carbonara

Give the dish an. extra boost of veg by adding some thawed frozen peas to the pan when you stir in the egg mixture. You could also had a handful of spinach leaves and it will wilt down in a matter of minutes. 

Jessica Ransom

“Swap the spring onion for a big handful of finely chopped parsley or chives. If it’s wild garlic season you could also add that to the pan with the egg mixture and it will wilt down.”

In step two of this method you need to fry some bacon. Using a non-stick pan will mean you can use minimal oil and still get great results. 

Meyer Accent Deep Frying Pan Non Stick 26cm - View at Amazon

Food writer Jessica Ransom loves this pan and uses it a lot when cooking at home. She says: “This pan is so lightweight and it makes it very easy to cook with and wash up. Tossing pasta together is a breeze and the non-stick coating is very efficient too.”

If you’re on a diet you might like this low calorie pastaor our healthy pasta recipes. For a boost of protein too, check out these healthy chicken recipes.