Spaghetti and Asparagus Carbonara - Budget-Friendly Recipe for Pinellas Park Dialysis Patients

Cooking on a budget can be tough, and it can be especially tough for people living with the daily dietary restrictions of a chronic illness, like chronic kidney disease (CKD.)  This National Kidney Month, Food Network Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr., in partnership with Fresenius Medical Care, has offered some smart shopping and cooking tips for people looking to make the most of their time and money in the kitchen. This Spaghetti and Asparagus Carbonara recipe developed by Chef McCargo is tasty and affordable – under $2 a serving!

At FMCNA’s A Better Life on Dialysis website, patients can find recipes, fitness tips, videos, and other information about staying active and maintaining a healthy diet. 

Fresenius Medical Care Pinellas Park is located at 7910 US Highway 19 N. For more information on the clinic and local dialysis treatment options, please call 1-888-325-5175.

Spaghetti and Asparagus Carbonara

Ingredients:

• ½ box of spiral noodle spaghetti (cooked al dente) – should be 3 cups
• 1 cup light cream
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup diced onions
• 2 tsp canola oil
• ¼ cup low sodium chicken stock
• 3 tbsp bacon bits (meatless)
• 2 cups chopped asparagus, about 1-inch long pieces
• 3 tbsp shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chopped fresh scallions
• 1 tbsp coarse cracked black pepper

Preparation:

In a large nonstick sauté pan, on medium-high heat, sauté onions until slightly browned in oil.  While that cooks, beat egg and cream until mixed thoroughly. Lower heat to medium and pour cream mixture into onion, stirring constantly until it starts to thicken, about 4-6 minutes. Add stock, pasta, asparagus and black pepper and continue to stir for an additional 3-4 minutes or until warmed throughout or hot. Turn off heat and pour onto serving dish.  Top with scallions, bacon bits and cheese, and then serve.

Serves 6

1 serving = 1 cup

          Nutrient Analysis:

          Calories                 417 calories           Trans Fat     0 grams

          Protein                  14 grams              Cholesterol  82 milligrams

          Carbohydrate        51 grams              Potassium    293 milligrams

          Total Fat                18 grams              Phosphorus  186 milligrams

          Saturated Fat        9 grams                Sodium        134 milligrams