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White bowl of keto zucchini carbonara with glossy egg sauce, crispy pancetta, and shaved Pecorino on concrete surface

Keto Zucchini Carbonara Recipe

A low-carb twist on classic carbonara made with spiralized zucchini noodles, crispy pancetta, and a creamy egg yolk and Pecorino sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and under 8g net carbs per serving.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Zucchini noodles
  • 4 medium zucchini, spiralized about 800 g total
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt for drawing out moisture
Carbonara sauce
  • 4 egg yolks room temperature
  • 1 whole egg room temperature
  • 60 g Pecorino Romano, finely grated plus more to serve
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Pan base
  • 150 g pancetta, diced or guanciale
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled and lightly crushed optional
  • 1 tbsp olive oil only if pancetta is very lean

Method
 

Prep the zucchini
  1. Spiralize the zucchini into noodles and place them in a colander. Toss with 1 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes.
  2. Transfer noodles onto a clean kitchen towel and press firmly to remove as much water as possible. Set aside.
Make the egg sauce
  1. Whisk together 4 egg yolks, 1 whole egg, grated Pecorino, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the pancetta
  1. Place a large skillet over medium heat. Add pancetta and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fat has rendered and the pieces are golden and crisp.
  2. Add the garlic clove and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then remove and discard the garlic.
  3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the pancetta to a small plate, leaving the fat in the pan.
Cook the zucchini noodles
  1. Increase heat to medium-high. Add the dried zucchini noodles to the pan with the pancetta fat. Toss constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until just heated through and slightly softened. Do not overcook.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat completely and let it cool for 30 seconds.
Finish the carbonara
  1. Pour half the egg mixture over the warm noodles and toss quickly. Add the remaining egg mixture and continue tossing until the sauce is glossy and coats every strand.
  2. Add the cooked pancetta back in and toss to combine. If the sauce looks too thick, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of warm water and toss again.
  3. Divide between four warm bowls. Top with extra Pecorino and cracked pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Net carbs per serving are approximately 7g once fiber is subtracted. Nutrition values are estimates based on medium zucchini and standard pancetta.