Keto Pasta Carbonara

Written by: Lucian Campan

Published on: April 04, 2025

Ultimate Keto Pasta Carbonara Recipe: Low-Carb, High-Protein, and Guilt-Free Indulgence

Who says comfort food can't align with your health goals? Our keto pasta carbonara is a game-changer for anyone craving the rich, creamy flavors of a classic Italian dish without the carb overload. As experts in low-carb and high-fiber pasta alternatives, we know how challenging it can be to find meals that satisfy both your cravings and your nutritional needs. This recipe delivers all the indulgence of traditional carbonara while keeping it keto-friendly, thanks to healthier high-protein pasta substitutes like shirataki or palmini noodles.

Creamy Keto Pasta Carbonara Recipe

With just a few simple swaps, we can savor the creamy, comforting goodness of pasta carbonara while staying true to our keto lifestyle. This creamy protein pasta dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this homemade keto pasta carbonara is a delicious way to satisfy cravings and nourish our bodies. Let’s enjoy every bite guilt-free and celebrate how effortless keto cooking can be.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 8 oz keto pasta (zucchini noodles, shirataki noodles, cauliflower pasta, or almond flour pasta)

  • 4 slices bacon, chopped (bacon carbonara)

  • 2 large egg yolks (egg yolk sauce)

  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (Parmesan cheese pasta)

  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free keto pasta alternative)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the high-protein pasta: If using zucchini noodles, lightly sauté them for 1-2 minutes. If using shirataki noodles, drain, rinse, and dry them. If using almond flour pasta or cauliflower pasta, cook according to package instructions.

  2. Cook the bacon: In a pan, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving some bacon grease in the pan.

  3. Make the creamy keto sauce: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and salt to create a rich egg yolk sauce.

  4. Sauté garlic: Add butter (or olive oil) to the pan and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.

  5. Combine everything: Turn off the heat, toss in the high-fiber, keto pasta, and slowly stir in the egg yolk sauce while mixing quickly to create a creamy keto sauce (avoid scrambling the eggs!).

  6. Serve: Top with crispy bacon and extra Parmesan cheese. If making a dairy-free keto pasta, sprinkle with nutritional yeast instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make carbonara keto-friendly?

Yes! You can make carbonara keto-friendly by using low-carb pasta alternatives, like shirataki noodles or palmini noodles. These substitutes are perfect for maintaining the creamy texture and rich flavors without adding unnecessary carbs.

What are keto-friendly pasta substitutes?

Keto-friendly pasta options include shirataki noodles, palmini noodles, zucchini noodles, and spaghetti squash. These alternatives are low in carbs and pair well with sauces like carbonara to satisfy pasta cravings on a keto diet.

Is carbonara sauce keto-friendly?

Traditional carbonara sauce is keto-friendly since it’s made with eggs, parmesan cheese, and bacon or pancetta. The key is pairing it with low-carb pasta alternatives to keep the meal within keto guidelines.

Can I add parmesan cheese to keto carbonara?

Absolutely! Parmesan cheese is keto-friendly, as it’s low in carbs and high in flavor. It’s a perfect addition to enhance the richness of your keto carbonara dish.

Are shirataki noodles good for keto?

Yes, shirataki noodles are excellent for keto diets. They are extremely low in carbs and calories, making them a popular choice for keto-friendly pasta dishes like carbonara.

Do palmini noodles taste like regular pasta?

Palmini noodles have a slight vegetable flavor but are a great low-carb substitute for traditional pasta. When combined with a creamy carbonara sauce, the flavor blends well and becomes less noticeable.

Is it hard to make keto carbonara?

Not at all! Making keto carbonara is simple. Just swap traditional pasta with a low-carb alternative and prepare the sauce as you would in a classic recipe. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy, indulgent meal.