This Keto Carbonara recipe is the perfect low-carb dish for pasta lovers looking to enjoy a creamy, savory meal while staying on track with their keto diet. Made with palmini pasta (a keto-friendly pasta alternative), crispy bacon, a rich parmesan cheese sauce, and a velvety blend of heavy cream and egg yolks, this dish delivers all the classic flavors of traditional carbonara without the carbs.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this Keto Carbonara is an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying dinner. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or paleo diet, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s perfect for those seeking comfort food that fits their dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients:
- 3 (14-ounce) cans palmini pasta (drained)
- 6 ounces bacon (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus more if desired)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 2 cups parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions:
- Drain the palmini pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the bacon over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 minutes. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a bowl using a slotted spoon and leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks until smooth and combined.
- Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Add the drained palmini pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine well, then return to medium heat and warm through.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Keto Carbonara is a deliciously rich and creamy dish that lets you enjoy the flavors of classic carbonara without the carbs. The palmini pasta provides a satisfying noodle texture, while the combination of bacon, parmesan, and a creamy egg-based sauce offers the perfect balance of indulgence and flavor. It’s a quick and easy meal that satisfies your keto cravings and makes for a comforting dinner.

Tips
- Palmini Pasta: Be sure to drain and pat dry the palmini well before using it to avoid excess moisture in your dish.
- Consistency of Sauce: Adjust the sauce’s thickness to your preference by adding more or less heavy cream. For a thicker sauce, add a little less cream, and for a creamier texture, add a bit more.
- Bacon Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of bacon, try using pancetta or sausage for a different flavor profile.
Variations and Substitutions
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the bacon and use sautéed mushrooms for a rich, umami-filled vegetarian version.
- Cheese Substitutes: If you prefer a different cheese, you can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago in place of the parmesan.
- Dairy-Free Version: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and the parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
FAQs
Can I use regular pasta instead of palmini? While regular pasta is not keto-friendly, you can use it if you’re not following a keto diet. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? This dish is best served fresh, as palmini pasta and the creamy sauce can lose their texture when stored. However, you can prepare the bacon and sauce ahead of time and then reheat it with the palmini when you’re ready to serve.
Is this recipe truly low-carb? Yes! Palmini pasta is made from hearts of palm, which are low in carbs and high in fiber, making it a great keto-friendly alternative to regular pasta.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Keto Carbonara with a side of steamed broccoli or a green salad for a well-rounded meal. For extra flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley or additional parmesan cheese on top. This dish also pairs wonderfully with a glass of dry white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, for a special touch.
Keto Carbonara Recipe
6
servings15
minutes20
minutesIngredients
3 (14-ounce) cans palmini pasta (drained)
6 ounces bacon (chopped)
½ cup heavy cream (plus more if desired)
2 large egg yolks
2 cups parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for garnish)
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
Directions
- Drain the palmini pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, sauté the bacon over medium heat until crispy, approximately 8 minutes. Once crisp, transfer the bacon to a bowl using a slotted spoon and leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks until smooth and combined.
- Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper. If the sauce becomes too thick, add more cream to reach the desired consistency.
- Add the drained palmini pasta and crispy bacon to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine well, then return to medium heat and warm through.
- Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

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