This healthy carbonara recipe delivers everything you love about classic carbonara - that silky creamy sauce, salty bacon, and Parmesan, but without lots of egg and cheese. The secret? Greek yogurt and pasta water create a luxuriously creamy sauce that's lighter and higher in protein. It still has all the flavour, but this healthy carbonara is a little bit lighter and ready in under 20 minutes.
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You can't go wrong with creamy pasta. It's so comforting and it just hits the spot in a way that a tomato based pasta can't. I never want to deprive myself of the foods I love, I just find healthier ways to make it, like this healthy carbonara.
You could never know that there is Greek yogurt in this sauce. Mixed with some of the reserved pasta water, it replaces some of the eggs and Parmesan without losing any of that creaminess.
Looking for more healthy pasta recipes? Why not try our simple Vegetable Pasta Bake, high protein Chicken Bolognese or our comforting High Protein Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake?
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Ingredients and Substitutions
A full ingredients list, along with US Customary and Metric measurements, can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Spaghetti - Use a wholewheat spaghetti if you want extra fibre.
- Bacon - We like using a nitrate-free bacon brand and cut the fat off it you want to make it lower in fat.
- Egg - Take it out of the fridge 10 minutes before using if you keep your eggs in the fridge.
- Parmesan cheese - Grate it yourself rather than buying it ready grated.
- Yogurt - You can use 0% fat, but a higher fat percentage will make it creamier.
- Pasta water - Take this out about 5 minutes before you need to use it, as it needs to cool a little and not be boiling.
What Else Can be Added?
Vegetables - You could add mushrooms (and use less meat, or no meat - have you tried our Mushroom Carbonara?), spinach, peas or sweetcorn also give this healthy carbonara a veggie boost.
Meat - Swap the bacon for turkey bacon, or you could use shredded cooked chicken breast or smoked salmon for something different.
How to Make Healthy Carbonara
- Step 1: Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions - normally 10-12 minutes. Reserve some of the pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat the oil in a large pan and cook the bacon. Once cooked, chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Step 3: Put the egg in a bowl and whisk and then add the yoghurt and Parmesan.
- Step 4: Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain (reserving some pasta water) and then put it into the pan with the bacon and egg mixture.
- Step 5: Slowly add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and smooth. You may not need all of the water. Mix gently to coat all of the cooked pasta.
- Step 6: Serve with chopped basil and a little grated Parmesan (both optioal).
Serving Suggestions
I think that garlic bread is a must when it comes to any kind of pasta dish. Try our Cheesy Garlic Bread or Air Fryer Garlic Bread with this healthy carbonara.
We also love making a big batch of our Roasted Cherry Tomatoes to go with this pasta dish. They are nice mixed through it too, as the tomato juice adds to the sauce. Roasted Tenderstem Broccoli goes well too.
Dannii's Top Tips
- Use warm, not boiling, pasta water to control sauce texture.
- Grate your own Parmesan for smoother melting.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest result.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.
- If you are going to reheat this, then do it on the stove top rather than in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Carbonara traditionally uses spaghetti, however this sauce recipe can be used with any pasta and we have used linguine, tagliatelle, penne, fusilli and macaroni (which kids love) in the past.
Yes, it can be reheated if you have leftovers, however it is best to do it on the stove, rather than in the microwave. Put it in a frying pan over a medium heat and heat for 3-4 minutes, until warmed through. If it is a little dry, then you can stir some olive oil through it.
More Pasta Recipes
If you've tried this healthy pasta carbonara recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below, we love hearing from you!
Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.
Recipe
Healthy Carbonara
Ingredients
- 160 g (5.5 oz) Spaghetti
- 1 teaspoon Olive oil
- 50 g (1.75 oz) Bacon
- 1 Egg
- 50 g (0.5 cups) Parmesan - grated
- 3 tablespoon (3) 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt
- 80 ml (0.33 cups) Reserved pasta water
- Fresh basil - (optional; to serve)
Instructions
- Cook 160 g Spaghetti according to the packet instructions.
- Heat 1 teaspoon Olive oil in a large pan and cook 50 g Bacon. Once cooked, chop into small pieces and set aside.
- Whisk 1 Egg in a bowl and then add 50 g Parmesan and 3 tablespoon 0% Fat Free Greek yogurt. Mix well.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain (reserving some pasta water) and then put it into the pan with the bacon. Add the egg mixture to the spaghetti, stir briskly, so the egg does not scramble.
- Slowly add 80 ml Reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and smooth. You may not need all of the water. Mix gently to coat all of the cooked pasta.
- Serve with chopped basil and a little grated parmesan.
Recipe Tips
- Use warm, not boiling, pasta water to control sauce texture.
- Grate your own Parmesan for smoother melting.
- Full-fat Greek yogurt gives the creamiest result.
- Taste and season with salt and black pepper if needed.
- If you are going to reheat this, then do it on the stove top rather than in the microwave.
Nutritional Information
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The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
As all appliances vary, cooking times are a guide. Please note that by changing the serving size, the cooking time may also need to be altered.
Jules says
I disagree this is healthier than a traditional carbonara. A traditional carbonara sauce is just made with eggs and cheese. Eggs are high in protein and really nutrient dense. Personally to make a healthier carbonara I leave out the bacon which is full of chemicals and add vegetables. I usually add shredded courgette, peas and spinach and make a green veggie carbonara with eggs for the sauce and Parmesan as normal. You don't need tons of parmesan and no bacon makes it less calories if that's what you mean by healthier.
Hannah says
We made this with leftover roast ham and it was really good. It’s nice to be able to have a lighter version as it is one of my favourite meals.
Melsey says
Literally the most bland thing I've ever tasted I'm sorry to say. Couldn't save this one with extra parmesan and salt. Not sure what's missing to give it that oomph.
Dannii Martin says
If you are comparing it to a full fat, indulgent, carbonara, then it won't have that same "oomph". But with bacon and parmesan, it won't be bland - especially if you add extra salt and parmesan, as then you are just making it like a regular carbonara (just less egg). Sorry you didn't enjoy it though, as it's one we make at least once a month and we love it. I hope you find something else on the website to enjoy.