Rating: 4 stars
25 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 8
  • 4 star values: 11
  • 3 star values: 4
  • 2 star values: 1
  • 1 star values: 1

This healthy chicken carbonara dish is not only absolutely delicious, it's also lower in fat and calories than traditional pasta carbonara. However, for a slightly richer version of the dish, you can swap out the egg substitute for two large eggs and the evaporated milk for heavy cream. (Just be aware, these ingredient swaps will impact the nutritional data listed below.)

Recipe by Cooking Light June 2004

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Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

Yield:
5 servings (serving size: about 1 1/4 cups)
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Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

Directions

Instructions Checklist
  • Cook pasta in boiling water 10 minutes or until al dente; add asparagus during final 2 minutes of cooking. Drain pasta mixture in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1/3 cup cooking liquid. Combine reserved cooking liquid, egg substitute, and milk, stirring with a whisk.

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  • Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and onion to pan; sauté 2 minutes. Add vermouth; cook 1 minute. Add pasta mixture; stir to combine. Remove from heat; stir in milk mixture, chicken, and cheese. Place pan over medium heat, and cook 4 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and bacon. Serve immediately.

Chef's Notes

Raw egg yolks and whipping cream traditionally add the creaminess and fat to pasta carbonara. This lighter version with asparagus and chicken achieves the same texture with egg substitute and nonfat evaporated milk. Prevent the eggs from scrambling by being careful not to heat the egg mixture too rapidly. Eat this dish immediately to enjoy its velvety creaminess; if it stands, the sauce can become too thick.

Nutrition Facts

416 calories; calories from fat 23%; fat 10.8g; saturated fat 3.7g; mono fat 4.4g; poly fat 2g; protein 34.7g; carbohydrates 41.9g; fiber 3.1g; cholesterol 60mg; iron 3.4mg; sodium 700mg; calcium 236mg.
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