Best 10 Lighter Rotini Carbonara Recipes

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Are you looking for a lighter version of the classic Italian dish, rotini carbonara? This creamy and cheesy pasta dish is often loaded with heavy cream and butter, but it is possible to make a lighter version that is just as delicious and satisfying. With the right ingredients and a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a lighter rotini carbonara that is lower in calories and fat but still full of flavor. This article will provide you with a guide to help you create a lighter version of rotini carbonara that is sure to please everyone at the dinner table.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

LIGHTER ROTINI CARBONARA



Lighter Rotini Carbonara image

There's no cream or dairy in this version of carbonara, which is how I like it. The bacon fat makes up for that, I think. It's very tasty and it looks appealingly sophisticated, but the dish comes together very quickly and easily.

Provided by rpgaymer

Categories     Pork

Time 30m

Yield 4 plates of pasta, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 tablespoons bacon fat (or 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil)
6 -8 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 onion, finely minced
1/3 cup white wine
3/4 cup frozen peas
12 ounces rotini pasta
2 eggs, room temperature
1/4 cup parmesan cheese, preferably freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
coarse sea salt, to taste
parmesan cheese, shredded (optional)

Steps:

  • Bring the water you'll be using to cook the pasta to a boil.
  • Heat bacon fat or oil/butter mixture in a deep skillet skillet or heavy pot over medium heat. Add the bacon and fry until bacon becomes crispy, about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the onion, and cook until translucent, or about 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the white wine, stir and cook until about half of the liquid has reduced off. Remove from heat and set aside.
  • Your water should be boiling now, so prepare your pasta according to your package's directions, or until al dente. Before putting in the pasta, use some of the boiling water to defrost the peas: just put the peas in a bowl, cover with the water, and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated cheese, white pepper and half of the parsley. Set aside until pasta is done cooking.
  • Drain the pasta, but DO NOT rinse it. Immediateley add the hot pasta to the skillet and toss well. Quickly transfer everything in the skillet to the bowl with the egg mixture and toss again. Drain the peas and add them to the pasta, and keep stirring until the sauce thickens (the eggs will cook from the heat of the pasta).
  • Serve immediately. Top with the remaining parsley, a sprinkling of coarse sea salt and some shredded Parmesan cheese, if desired.

CARBONARA CLASSICA



Carbonara Classica image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 1/2 cups 1/4-inch diced pancetta
5 organic large eggs
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pound bucatini
1 cup frozen peas
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley, for garnish

Steps:

  • In a medium saute pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta until tender-crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and set aside. Reserve the pan with the drippings.
  • Separate 4 of the eggs and set the yolks aside. Discard the 4 whites. Crack the fifth egg and add it to the yolks.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, 2/3 of the pancetta, the Parmigiano-Reggiano, black pepper and cayenne.
  • Cook the pasta until al dente. Add the peas when the pasta is just about finished and strain both into the reserved pancetta drippings. Reserve about 3/4 cup pasta water to fortify the sauce.
  • Add the egg mixture into the pasta and toss well with tongs for about 1 minute. Add the reserved pasta water to the bowl in 1/4 cup increments, combining and adding until desired sauce consistency is reached. Add the parsley and gently combine and place into a serving dish.
  • Garnish with the reserved pancetta.

LIGHT PASTA CARBONARA



Light Pasta Carbonara image

Make and share this Light Pasta Carbonara recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Luv4food

Categories     European

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups hot cooked thin pasta (12 oz dry)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 cup 2% low-fat milk
6 tablespoons fat-free egg substitute

Steps:

  • Cook bacon in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp.
  • Add garlic, saute for 1 minute or until tender.
  • Reduce heat to low, stir in pasta, cheese, parsley, and pepper.
  • Combine egg substitue and milk, add to pasta, stirring constantly for 3 minutes or until sauce thickens.
  • Serve immediately.

LIGHT LINGUINE CARBONARA



Light Linguine Carbonara image

When we have to rush off at night, I make this speedy pasta with veggies and bacon. Serve with breadsticks or garlic toast, and dinner's done. -Mary Jo Miller, Mansfield, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces uncooked linguine
1/2 cup frozen peas
1 large egg
1 cup fat-free evaporated milk
1/4 cup finely chopped sweet red pepper
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
2 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled

Steps:

  • In a 6-qt. stockpot, cook linguine according to package directions, adding peas during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, whisk egg, milk, red pepper, pepper flakes and pepper until blended; cook and stir over medium-low heat until mixture is just thick enough to coat a spoon and a thermometer reads at least 160°. Stir in 1/4 cup cheese and bacon; remove from heat., Drain linguine; return to pot. Add sauce and toss to coat. Serve with remaining cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 calories, Fat 7g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 62mg cholesterol, Sodium 366mg sodium, Carbohydrate 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 19g protein.

TORTELLINI CARBONARA



Tortellini Carbonara image

This is a super quick and delicious recipe. Not low in fat but high in flavor. Fresh cheese-filled tortellini combined with cubed ham, onion and green peas in a rich, cream sauce. Serve with garlic bread and a salad. Enjoy!

Provided by KRISANN

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Pork

Time 45m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 7

2 tablespoons butter
½ pound cooked ham, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
4 cups half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped onion
1 ½ cups frozen green peas
9 ounces fresh cheese-filled tortellini

Steps:

  • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion and ham and saute for 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  • Pour in the half-and-half and the cheese, stirring frequently, until the sauce starts to thicken and bubble. Season with salt and pepper to taste and set aside.
  • Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add the tortellini and cook to desired doneness, or according to package directions. Add the peas to the boiling tortellini in the final minute of cooking. Drain all from the water and toss with the ham and sauce mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 583.4 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 132.6 mg, Fat 38.7 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 22.1 g, Sodium 1168.5 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA



Spaghetti Carbonara image

A spaghetti carbonara sauce is typically made with bacon, eggs, and cheese. We've added a little half-and-half for a silky texture to this delicious pasta dish.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Pork Recipes

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound spaghetti
8 ounces (8 slices) bacon, cut 1 inch thick crosswise
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
3 large eggs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/2 cup half-and-half

Steps:

  • Set a large pot of water to boil (for pasta). In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 12 minutes; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
  • Salt boiling water generously; add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan, and half-and-half. Set aside.
  • Drain pasta, leaving some water clinging to it. Working quickly, add hot pasta to egg mixture. Add bacon; season with salt and pepper, and toss all to combine (heat from pasta will cook eggs). Serve immediately, sprinkled with additional Parmesan cheese.

ROTINI



Rotini image

I know the title is somewhat vague, but this is what we called it growing up. This is a great recipe, because the ingredients are ones I often have on hand. It makes a lot and is very comforting. The cheese, pasta, tomato sauce and meat are a tried and true combination!

Provided by Shannon 24

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 35m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 (1 1/4 ounce) envelope onion soup mix
1 lb hamburger
1 teaspoon oregano
1 (28 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups water
3 cups rotini pasta
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1 -2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Brown hamburger.
  • Add onion soup mix, oregano, tomatoes and water.
  • Bring to a boil, stir in pasta.
  • Cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until all the water has disappeared.
  • Stir in parmesean cheese.
  • Top with mozarella and cover until melted.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 479.9, Fat 15.8, SaturatedFat 6.9, Cholesterol 70.7, Sodium 1433, Carbohydrate 53.3, Fiber 4.1, Sugar 8, Protein 31

LIGHT FETTUCCINE CARBONARA



Light Fettuccine Carbonara image

Make and share this Light Fettuccine Carbonara recipe from Food.com.

Provided by BigFatMomma

Categories     Healthy

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

4 ounces Canadian bacon
1 1/2 cups nonfat cottage cheese
3/4 cup evaporated skim milk
1/2 cup liquid egg substitute
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 lb fresh fettuccine
6 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

Steps:

  • Slice bacon into 1 inch long and 1/4inch thick strips.
  • In a medium skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until light brown.
  • Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • In a blender process the cottage cheese, milk, egg substitute and salt until smooth.
  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until just barely tender.
  • Drain well and return to the pot.
  • Add the cheese mixture, bacon and pepper to the pasta and cook over med-low heat, stirring continually until sauce is heated through--do not boil--about 1 minute.
  • Transfer to a warmed serving bowl, and serve immediately, sprinkling with the parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.4, Fat 5.5, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 74, Sodium 559, Carbohydrate 46.5, Sugar 4.5, Protein 25.9

FETTUCCINI CARBONARA



Fettuccini Carbonara image

This carbonara is a delectable, mouth watering pile of yummy goodness. I recommend a nice salad with it - that's all you will need for a complete meal.

Provided by Sarah W. Lennox

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     European     Italian

Time 35m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 10

5 teaspoons olive oil
4 shallots, diced
1 large onion, cut into thin strips
1 pound bacon, cut into strips
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package fettuccini pasta
3 egg yolks
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute shallots until softened. Stir in onion and bacon, and cook until bacon is evenly browned. Stir in garlic when bacon is about half done. Remove from heat.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain pasta, then return it to the pot.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together egg yolks, cream, and shredded Parmesan. Pour the bacon mixture over the pasta, then stir in the cream mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 613.9 calories, Carbohydrate 64.8 g, Cholesterol 165.9 mg, Fat 28.6 g, Fiber 3.2 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 11.5 g, Sodium 750.3 mg, Sugar 4.8 g

ROTINI WITH ZUCCHINI AND TOMATOES



Rotini With Zucchini and Tomatoes image

This is a fresh, easy and healthy meal that goes together very quickly. I serve with a small tossed salad.

Provided by Canadian Jane

Categories     Low Cholesterol

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

12 ounces whole wheat rotini
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 zucchini, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
12 cherry tomatoes, cut in half
2 tablespoons parsley or 2 tablespoons basil, chopped
salt
pepper
parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook rotini according to package directions.
  • Saute onion, garlic and zucchini in oil until tender. Add tomatoes and parsley; heat through.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper (and crushed red pepper if you wish).
  • Toss rotini with vegetable mixture and served topped with cheese.

Tips:

  • For a richer flavor, use high-quality Parmesan cheese and pancetta.
  • Cook the pancetta until it is crispy.
  • Add the pasta to the pan with the pancetta and cook until the pasta is al dente.
  • Reserve some of the pasta water before draining the pasta. This water can be used to thin out the sauce if it is too thick.
  • Add the eggs and cheese to the pasta and stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Serve the pasta immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese and black pepper.

Conclusion:

This lighter rotini carbonara is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It is a healthier version of the classic carbonara, but it is still full of flavor. The rotini pasta is cooked al dente and then tossed with crispy pancetta, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. The result is a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

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