Healthy Carbonara

You will need:


8 or 9 ounce package of fettuccine or angel hair pasta (I like to try to get spinach or whole grain pasta)

• 1 cup frozen green peas
  
• 5 slices of turkey bacon or prosciutto
• 1 small onion 
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
• 1 tablespoon greek yogurt cream cheese (or greek yogurt if you can't find greek yogurt cream cheese) --I will say the greek yogurt cream cheese tastes much better, but it is pretty hit or miss at my grocery stores.  I suppose you could go for the less healthy 1/3 fat cream cheese.  I would not do fat free cream cheese.  It does not melt well.
• 1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• Crushed Red Pepper for garnish if desired
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  1.

  Cook pasta according to the directions on the package, but don't salt the water. Three minutes before the pasta is supposed to be done, add the green peas to the pot. Drain, and reserve 3/4 cup of cooking liquid.

  
  

  
  

  2.

  Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large saucepan on medium-high heat until crispy. Remove bacon from pan and discard all except 2 teaspoons of drippings. Add onion to the pan and saute for 3 minutes in the leftover drippings. Add garlic and thyme, and cook another minute. Stir in pasta and peas, reserved cooking liquid, yogurt and half-and-half. Cook 2 minutes. Crumble bacon on top of pasta and toss with cheese.  For a boost of flavor add crushed red pepper over top of pasta.

  
  Nutrition Facts*
  1 serving- 374 Calories, Fat 6.9 grams, Saturated Fat 4.3 grams, Cholesterol 37.5mg, Sodium 512.6mg, Potassium 250mg, Carbs 54.8 grams, Fiber 4.9 grams, Sugars 5.4 grams, Protein 22.2 grams
  
  *4 servings per meal (gives you a hearty serving size), based on use of spinach angel hair spaghetti and greek yogurt instead of greek yogurt cream cheese.     

  
  
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