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Zucchini noodles carbonara topped with creamy sauce and crispy bacon.

Creamy Paleo Zucchini Noodles Carbonara

A wholesome take on the classic carbonara using zucchini noodles, crispy pancetta, and a creamy sauce that’s both indulgent and light.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Paleo
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

Zucchini Noodles
  • 4 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles Fresh zucchinis are ideal for the base.
Pancetta
  • 6 ounces pancetta, diced Can substitute with guanciale or bacon if needed.
Egg Mixture
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature Ensure they are at room temperature to avoid curdling.
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Preferably Parmigiano-Reggiano.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup dairy-free milk or heavy cream Optional; use almond or coconut milk for paleo compliance.
Seasonings
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • a pinch sea salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and dry the zucchinis. Using a spiralizer, create noodles and place them in a colander over the sink. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let sit for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Cooking Pancetta
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add diced pancetta and cook for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden. Transfer pancetta to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving the rendered fat in the pan.
Mixing Ingredients
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, Parmesan cheese, black pepper, and dairy-free milk or cream if using. Ensure eggs are at room temperature to avoid curdling.
  2. Add olive oil to the pancetta fat in the skillet. Pat zucchini noodles dry with paper towels, then add to the pan. Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, tossing gently until just tender but still al dente.
Combining and Serving
  1. Remove skillet from heat. Quickly pour the egg and cheese mixture over the noodles, tossing swiftly to coat evenly. The residual heat will gently cook the eggs, forming a creamy sauce. Add a splash of reserved pancetta fat or dairy-free milk if the sauce is too thick.
  2. Stir in the crispy pancetta pieces. Taste and adjust seasoning with more pepper or salt if needed.
  3. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly ground black pepper.

Notes

Make sure your zucchinis are well-drained after salting to prevent excessive moisture in the dish. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese that fit your dietary needs.