Living a low carb lifestyle can be challenging sometimes. Especially if you crave pasta. And I am one of those people that could eat pasta for every meal of the day if I could. But obviously I can't have pasta whenever I want. Just in moderation 😉
That is why there is this wonderful squash. Spaghetti squash. This amazing veggie saved my life in regards to pasta. I love it and make it all the time. Dress it up just how you would with your favorite sauces, veggies, meats. That's why this Italian girl decided to make a lighter version of one of my favorite Italian dishes: Spaghetti Squash Carbonara.
I knew it would be tricky getting this recipe because I don't have the starch of the pasta to help absorb the egg. So I ended up making this recipe a few times. The first couple were too "soupy" but I finally got it on the last try.
To get off track here, you all know I posted my Weekly Meal Plan the other day and I am sticking to it! We are also sticking to our Crossfit days 3 times a week! We are definitely going to ask our coach to add one more day a week to our schedule!
We did A LOT of rowing this week and deadlifts! Which I PR'd on!
I really love the challenge this place brings us and the people are so friendly and simply amazing. We are also participating in their Chili Cook Off this Saturday! I can't wait to see who win! (me) (cough) - i didn't say anything....Could it be Chili "A" Chili " B" or a brand new recipe??? Muwahahahaha
Any who, back to the Spaghetti Squash Carbonara. This really did taste like the real deal. Spaghetti Squash is tossed in a creamy egg and cheese mixture and sprinkled with crispy bacon. Couldn't get much better in my book!
Please please please buy this squash and try it if you haven't already! You won't regret it!
Serves 3: Calories: 477, Fat: 23g, Carbs: 34g, Fiber: 5g, Protein: 37g
You Need:
1 large spaghetti squash
2 egg yolks
3 tbs shredded parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
3 slices of Hormel Black Cut Bacon, chopped
Fresh parsley
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions:
Poke holes in your squash all over with a knife ( be careful!) and microwave on high for 8 minutes. Let cool and slice in half. If it doesn't feel like you are slicing through butter, stick it back in the microwave for a little longer.
Fluff the "spaghetti" out of the squash into a separate bowl and set aside
In a cast iron skillet, cook bacon until nice and crispy ( about 8 minutes) on medium heat
Take skillet off heat temporarily
In a mixing bowl, whisk egg yolks, cheese, salt, and pepper together
Pour egg mixture into skillet with bacon, but make sure the eggs don't cook all the way! You still want it runny! This is just to warm them up a bit.
Toss spaghetti squash in the skillet and ensure it is coated with bacon drippings, and egg mixture. It should look really nice and creamy now.
Divide into 3 portions and serve with cherry tomatoes, parsley, and some more Parmesan cheese if you wish!
Enjoy!
*I am currently a member of the Hormel Foods Extended Blogger Program and
this post is part of my involvement in the Group. While Hormel Foods provides
me material and necessary resources to complete various activities, all
statements and opinions ( as always) in The Kitcheneer are my own
TheSuburbanSoapbox says
What a great way to keep the carbs in check! I love carbonara....never thought to use spaghetti squash.
Cravings of a Lunatic says
What a cool recipe, bonus points for your tenacity about sticking with it until it was perfect. Love the photos from the gym. We used to work out so religiously that we had some fun wedding photographs taken at the gym. We brought in the whole wedding party all dressed up. So hilarious.
Paula - bell'alimento says
Spaghetti alla carbonara is my favorite meal on the planet. Going to have to give this twist on it a try : )
christine (@foodyschmoody) says
I love spaghetti squash but have never thought about making a carbonara with it. Great idea and I'm glad you stuck w/ it after it wasn't successful the first time around.
Cookin Canuck says
Spaghetti squash is something I often turn to when I'm craving pasta, and topping it with a carbonara sauce sounds fantastic!
Erin @ Texanerin Baking says
That's awesome that you were able to find a way to make it work! I'm trying to eat lower carb but since I don't like any type of squash or any vegetable... pasta is just impossible. Ugh. I wish my palate could be reprogrammed!
Lora @cakeduchess says
Oh, my gosh. Your post is so inspiring! I went to the gym today (yay, me!!)but did not do what you did. But I did a workout and I felt good. I love this idea for low-carb carbonara.:)
[email protected] says
Thanks Lora! I'm glad you liked my post! This gym is great though cause they make you accountable if you miss any!!! My kind of gym 😉
Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez | girlichef.com says
I adore spaghetti squash, and can't believe I've never thought about using it in a carbonara before - decadent and healthy all in one!
Martha @ A Family Feast says
I love spaghetti squash and I love carbonara! What a great, lighter combination!
angiemcgowan says
I love spaghetti squash too, it's such a healthy alternative to pasta!
lanaann says
I crave pasta, too, but as you said we sometimes have to limit ourselves, don't we? This is a really wonderful alternative to a classic carbonara and one that I definitely will be trying soon!
LaurenKellyNutrition says
I am loving everything about this dish! Spaghetti squash is the best.
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
Why can't we live just a little bit closer so you can come over and motivate me?! I'm struggling to get through 10 minute circuit workouts and you are killing it like a champ! Also, I love carbonara with all my heart. Loving this spaghetti squash version, genius!
Valeriehoff says
I may try this with zucchini noodles! Thanks for the recipe!
melanie bauer says
What a great alternative to pasta!
Jordan @ Smile Sandwich says
LOVE spaghetti squash when I'm craving pasta! This looks incredible.