Costa Rican Carbonara

bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: pork belly

Turkey bacon reduces fat content while maintaining flavor.

Parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: Pecorino Romano

Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor with fewer calories.

cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

spaghetti

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: penne

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber, while penne is often less expensive.

Cook spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Stir in minced garlic and diced onion; cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

Mix eggs and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl until well combined.

Add cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat in the bacon fat.

Remove skillet from heat and quickly stir in the egg mixture, mixing until creamy.

Add black pepper, lime juice, and cilantro; toss to combine.

Fold in cooked peas and mushrooms, if using.

Season with salt to taste and serve immediately.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens