Spaghetti stands out as a favorite dish for warm months thanks to its speed, simplicity, and universal appeal. It suits family dinners and casual meals alike, and its flavor can shift with a variety of sauces. On top of that, it remains a budget-friendly option. This guide explains a lighter, creamy spaghetti carbonara that still delivers rich taste. Read on to discover a version that satisfies cravings without heaviness, and you might find yourself coming back for seconds.
Ingredients for making creamy spaghetti carbonara
To keep the dish lighter, this version uses wheat pasta instead of regular white pasta. This is simply a choice. If children prefer the familiar texture, ordinary spaghetti can be used without any issue. For four servings, gather 400 grams of whole-wheat spaghetti, three eggs, 125 grams of lean turkey cut into small pieces, 125 grams of grated Parmesan cheese, water, salt, pepper, a small amount of oil, and a clove of garlic. The goal is a balance between protein, dairy flavor, and a satisfying pasta bite, without relying on heavy cream.
Here is how to prepare the dish for four people: 400 grams of whole-wheat spaghetti, three eggs, 125 grams of lean turkey, 125 grams of grated Parmesan, plus water, salt, pepper, oil, and a single garlic clove.
How to make the lightest spaghetti carbonara
Begin by boiling a large pot of water with a pinch of salt. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the spaghetti and cook for about eight to ten minutes, or as directed on the package, until the pasta is halfway tender. This stage builds the base for a glossy, cohesive sauce.
Video recipe: Spaghetti carbonara
While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. Dice the turkey into small cubes and sauté in a pan with a teaspoon of oil and sliced garlic. After the turkey browns and the garlic perfumes the pan, remove the garlic and add the drained spaghetti to the same pan.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the egg mixture over the hot pasta and turkey in the pan, and stir steadily until the eggs begin to set into a creamy sauce. Add the grated cheese and mix until everything is well coated and glossy. Serve immediately and finish with a little extra Parmesan on top for a final touch of richness.
The trick is to have the pasta in its own spot.
For perfectly al dente pasta, a quick trick is to rinse with cold water during draining. Place the strainer under a cold water stream and let it run for a few seconds to halt the cooking instantly and keep the texture firm.