Monday, January 24, 2011

Spaghetti Carbonara


Spaghetti Carbonara
Adapted by Dinner at Christina’s
Makes 4 Servings

12 oz. spaghetti
6 slices turkey bacon
1 tbsp minced garlic, jarred
2 eggs
¾ cup parmesan cheese
black pepper, for garnish
Salt, to taste

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil; add pasta. Cook 8-10 minutes. While water is coming to a boil, brown bacon in a large pan over medium heat until almost crispy. Add garlic and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and dice bacon. In a bowl, crack eggs and whisk well. Add cheese and black pepper. Set aside. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Immediately add pasta back in pot, and add egg mixture. Use two forks to toss pasta in egg mixture. Add pasta water to thin it. Add bacon/garlic mixture and toss well. Add black pepper for garnish. Add salt if desired.

Nutritional Information: 460 calories, 58 carbs, 13 fat grams and 30 protein grams.

Review: We loved it! I would never in a million years think that eggs and parm would make such a yummy, thick, rich pasta sauce - I was pretty fascinated by that! This recipe was super easy to cook and I was pleased that it had so much protein even though it wasn't my usual 1 pound of meat recipe. Also, CHEAP. Estimation: $1 box of pasta $.25 eggs $.75 parmesan serving, $1 bacon serving; $.15 garlic/pepper/salt serving = $3.15 for entire recipe or $.78 per serving and let me tell you - it was FILLING! I'm a huge fan and will be making this easy, flavorful pasta dish again!