Gnocchi Carbonara
Carbonara would hands down be my last meal on Earth. I love carbs, what can I say. But pillowy, buttery, soft, garlicy carbs are the best kind of carbs. That is why gnocchi is the absolute best pasta there is. There is no question, and no one will ever make me think differently. I would truly eat carbonara every day if I could, and I'd never get sick of it.
Side note: Taylor and I's all time favorite meal is from Cooper's Hawk Winery on the plaza in Kansas City. We discovered their gnocchi carbonara a couple of years ago, and now we don't order anything else. It's ridiculously good, and if you're ever in KC, it's an absolute must.
However, as much as I love carbonara, it's probably one of the least healthy of any pasta dish there is. It's incredibly high in fat due to the egg (I always leave this out), pancetta, and sauce that is usually used to make the dish. That's why I set out to make a healthier version!
Gnocchi can be high carb in my opinion, which isn't a bad thing, but if I'm going to eat it 5 nights a week, I need to reign it in in the areas I can. This is why Trader Joe's cauliflower carbonara is an amazing option.
Because it's made with cauliflower instead of all potato dough, it's much lower in carbs that your average gnocchi you'd find anywhere else. Almost half to be exact. This makes it a super macro friendly option, without sacrificing any of the doughy texture gnocchi is famous for.
The sauce I use is interchangeable, I just love the Berotli brand and I love that it too is made with cauliflower. This cuts down on the fat content a little bit, and I'm always trying to sneak in veggies where I can, so this helps! However, if there's another alfredo you like, or you have a lot of time on your hands and want to make your own, that will work just as well! I'm all about efficiency, but whatever you like will work!
In a traditional carbonara dish, you'd use pancetta for the bacon/protein but if you think I know where to get that or how to cook it, you're wrong. Bacon bits are quick and easy, and provide the same flavor!
Lastly, to beef up this dish with a little protein, I add chicken, but it's great without it if you don't want to add anything! You could actually add any protein you have, but chicken is always my go to. Shrimp could be a good option too!
Ingredients:
- 1 bag Trader Joe’s cauliflower gnocchi
- 1 bag frozen peas
- 1/4 cup bacon bits (you can also use pancetta if you have it but this is quicker)
- 1.5 cups cauliflower Alfredo sauce (I used the Bertoli brand, but any Alfredo will work)
directions
- Heat the gnocchi in a skillet with olive oil spray / 1 Tbsp olive oil for 7-8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add peas, bacon, and Alfredo and simmer on low for 5 minutes.
- Serve as is or add chicken for extra protein!