Low-Carb Spaghetti Carbonara With Guanciale

IT’S SKINNY LOW-CARB SPAGHETTI CARBONARA WITH GUANCIALE

Spaghetti carbonara is one of those dishes that feels instantly familiar and classic. Yet, as far as Italian dishes go, carbonara is a relative newcomer to the pasta scene.

For those unfamiliar with this delicious dish, spaghetti carbonara is essentially the “bacon and eggs” of pasta. Using guanciale or prosciutto, the dish has plenty of depth of flavor and an addictive savory, salty combo that can’t be beat. This keto carbonara recipe is going to become an instant favorite.

Today, we do our low-carb spaghetti carbonara with guanciale using It’s Skinny pasta. If you thought that you couldn’t enjoy CARBonara, because it wasn’t on your diet plan, think again! With It’s Skinny, you can enjoy all your favorite pasta dishes your way!

SPAGHETTI CARBONARA IS A CROWD PLEASER

So how did someone come up with the brilliant idea of combining the most delicious foods on earth: bacon, eggs, and pasta? There are several theories.

One idea comes from the story that this was a “coal miner’s” pasta. Early Italian immigrants often ked in the coal and charcoal mines. Carbonara means “charcoal burner” in Italian; it makes sense that this would be a delicious, filling dish after a hard day’s work.

Some people theorize that the black pepper, often used to season this dish, and the small pieces of cooked pork looked like charcoal against the soft color of the pasta and eggs.

Other theories are that it was invented by and named for a popular Roman restaurant or that it was named after a secret Italian society called the Carbonari! It was served to US soldiers during WWII and appeared on many Italian restaurant menus when they returned home. The dish became popular in the mid-century, but there were definitely similar dishes incorporating pork and eggs throughout Italian regional cuisine.

No matter how it came about, we can all agree that there’s no combination quite like eggs and pork, and they go extremely well together in this dish. In our low-carb spaghetti carbonara, we use guanciale for the pork. For those unfamiliar, guanciale is a delicious, cured pork made from fatty cheeks. It’s thinly sliced and highly flavorful--a little goes a long way.

If you can’t get guanciale, you could also use prosciutto or pancetta. All three are similarly cured pork products, but pancetta comes from the pork belly, and prosciutto is from the hindquarters. Unlike bacon and guanciale, these meats are only cured, not smoked, but they all have a savory, salty, hearty flavor that really makes the dish.

Low-carb spaghetti carbonara is simple in that there aren’t many ingredients, and it comes together very fast. It calls for two eggs, a few herbs, parmesan cheese, and It’s Skinny Pasta. That’s it! It couldn’t be easier or more satisfying. Whether you're on the ketogenic diet or another low-carb meal plan, this very simple dish will surprise you! It may just become your go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you need a little bit of low carb carbonara comfort.

HOW IT’S SKINNY LIGHTENS UP YOUR FAVORITE DISHES

How do we take the carbs out of carbonara? It’s Skinny! It’s Skinny shirataki pasta is the perfect way to lighten up all your favorite meals including our low carb version of carbonara. When you add It’s Skinny to a dish, you get the same taste and mouthfeel of pasta and rice, without the added carbohydrates and calories. This is a maid dish that can hold its own.

How light does It’s Skinny go? Believe it or not, each pack of It’s Skinny Rice and It’s Skinny Pasta has only 9 calories and ZERO net carbs! We get stats like that thanks to konjac root.

What’s a konjac root, you ask? Konjac is a humble root vegetable that looks a little like a turnip or radish. It’s high in fiber, particularly a special type of fiber called glucomannan. Foods made with konjac tend to keep your blood sugar levels steady, helping you feel fuller longer.

What’s more, because It’s Skinny Pasta and Rice are made with konjac, they provide the perfect platform for all of your favorite dishes. Not only will you feel satisfied, but It’s Skinny can help you fight those cravings that can derail your progress (or shift you out of ketosis). It's Skinny is real pasta, without guilt.

It’s Skinny is available in four great varieties, so you can remake all your favorite meals. Choose from:

• Rice
• Fettuccine
• Angel Hair
• Spaghetti

Or select a variety pack, so you can try all the types. It’s easy to order It’s Skinny online and get it delivered to your door!

Have you been burned by low-carb noodles before? Are you wary of a pasta substitute? Has cauliflower rice overpowered even your best attempts at keto dinners? It’s Skinny is a game changer. There’s no funky aftertaste like some shirataki noodles. Unlike zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash noodles, and caulirice, It’s Skinny is a great way to cut carbs because it doesn’t overpower the dish with its presence.

Instead, you’ll enjoy pasta your way—low-carb and luscious. Simply open the pack, drain, rinse, and heat through. It’s Skinny is ready to enjoy in just 2-3 minutes. It takes on the flavors of the surrounding ingredients, making it the ideal dinner ingredient. Lighten up with It’s Skinny!

QUESTIONS ABOUT CARBONARA? WE’VE GOT ANSWERS!

Every great cook has questions now and again, especially if this is your first attempt at low-carb spaghetti carbonara. Fortunately, we’ve got all kinds of answers to help your dinner turn out great! Here are a few of the most common queries.

CAN I ADD SOME VEGGIES TO LOW-CARB SPAGHETTI CARBONARA?

Are you trying to increase your veggie intake? Maybe you just want to use up that kale languishing in the back of your fridge? This low-carb spaghetti carbonara recipe is a great platform for zhushing! Add in any greens like spinach, kale, or chard to get some additional vitamins and goodness.

Alternatively, you could include broccolini or broccoli rabe, as both would play nicely with the guanciale in this dish. Dice up some red peppers, a medium zucchini, or some spears of asparagus for a great addition. As for herbs, oregano and even rosemary can pair well with this dish.

CAN I USE IT’S SKINNY FETTUCCINE INSTEAD?

Spaghetti carbonara pasta is the classic combo, but we’ll let you in on a little secret. You can use any variety of It’s Skinny Pasta (or even Rice) in this dish! While the noodle shapes differ, it’s similar to traditional pasta in that the taste stays the same. Feel free to mix it up in any of our low-carb pasta recipes!

When you work with It’s Skinny Pasta and It’s Skinny Rice, you’ll discover how versatile low-carb pasta can be. Fettuccine works great here, as does Angel Hair. It’s Skinny Rice pretty much goes with any dish and we have several pairings of It’s Skinny Rice with eggs if you’re looking for other ways to use a dozen.

WHAT OTHER MEAT CAN I USE? CAN I MAKE VEGETARIAN CARBONARA?

We’re big fans of guanciale. It’s got a slightly richer flavor profile than some of the other counterparts. With a peppery coating, guanciale is unique and crave-worthy. But we completely understand if it’s hard to come by in your local grocery store. In fact, it’s only been available in the United States in the last ten years or so.

Prosciutto is the most obvious swap here, and the taste is quite similar. Otherwise, you could use ham, regular bacon, or pancetta. You could even use small pieces of Canadian bacon or pepperoni. As for a vegetarian version, you can omit the guanciale or use vegetarian bacon (check the carb count, as it may change). When you use It's Skinny low carb noodles, you can find all sorts of ways to enjoy comfort foods. Make them your own with optional ingredients, and still enjoy a healthy, guilt-free dinner.

MAKING LOW-CARB SPAGHETTI CARBONARA WITH GUANCIALE AND IT’S SKINNY

Ready for a hearty, filling, comforting Italian meal? This keto pasta carbonara is it! It’s salty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. The eggs and grated cheese create a creamy thick sauce (without heavy cream) that tastes rich and indulgent. But there’s no need to feel guilty—you’re eating It’s Skinny! With ZERO net carbs and only 9 calories, you can afford to splurge on pasta night every day of the week! Did we mention this is an easy recipe? Even if this is your first time making It's Skinny, you'll feel like a kitchen rockstar!

WATCH OUR VERY OWN INFLUENCER CHEF MICHELE MAKE THIS GUILT-FREE LOW-CARB CARBONARA RECIPE ON THE IT’S SKINNY YOUTUBE CHANNEL!