Jennifer Aniston, the beloved actress, has not only charmed us on the silver screen but also in the kitchen with her lightened - up spaghetti carbonara recipe. In the Better Homes & Garden's Test Kitchen, we decided to put this tantalizing recipe to the test. Let's embark on a culinary journey to discover how to make this easy yet delicious dish and pick up some top tips for achieving the creamiest sauce.

First and foremost, let's gather the ingredients. For Jennifer Aniston's lightened - up spaghetti carbonara, you will need whole - wheat spaghetti, which adds a healthy twist compared to traditional white pasta. You'll also require turkey bacon, which cuts down on the fat content while still providing that smoky, savory flavor. Eggs are a crucial component as they form the base of the creamy sauce. Parmesan cheese, freshly grated, is essential for that rich, nutty taste. A splash of milk helps to thin out the sauce and create a velvety texture, and a bit of black pepper adds a spicy kick.

To start the cooking process, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole - wheat spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, it's time to work on the bacon. Place the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium - heat. As it cooks, the bacon will release its flavorful fat and start to crisp up. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispness, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with a paper towel to drain any excess fat.

Now, let's focus on making the sauce. In a bowl, crack the eggs and add a generous amount of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk the mixture together until it's well - combined. The eggs will start to take on a pale, creamy color, and the cheese will begin to melt slightly. This is the foundation of our carbonara sauce. Add a splash of milk to the egg - cheese mixture and whisk again. The milk will make the sauce more fluid and easier to incorporate with the pasta.

When the spaghetti is al dente, drain it well but reserve about a half - cup of the pasta water. Pour the cooked spaghetti back into the pot and immediately add the egg - cheese - milk mixture. The heat from the pasta will start to cook the eggs, creating a creamy sauce. Stir the pasta vigorously to ensure that the sauce coats each strand evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. This is one of the key tips for achieving the creamiest sauce.

Next, crumble the cooked turkey bacon and sprinkle it over the pasta. The bacon adds a wonderful crunch and a burst of flavor to the dish. Also, add a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The pepper not only enhances the taste but also gives the carbonara its characteristic spicy edge. Toss the pasta one more time to distribute the bacon and pepper evenly.

Now, let's talk about some additional tips to make this recipe even better. When grating the Parmesan cheese, use a fine - grater. This will ensure that the cheese melts easily into the sauce and creates a smoother texture. Also, make sure to use fresh eggs. Fresh eggs have a richer flavor and will result in a creamier sauce. Another important tip is to work quickly when adding the egg - cheese mixture to the hot pasta. The heat from the pasta should cook the eggs just enough to form a sauce without scrambling them. If you're worried about the eggs scrambling, you can temper them by slowly adding a small amount of the hot pasta water to the egg - cheese mixture while whisking constantly before adding it to the pasta.

Jennifer Aniston's lightened - up spaghetti carbonara is a perfect dish for a weeknight dinner. It's easy to make, relatively healthy, and incredibly delicious. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. You can serve it as a main course on its own or pair it with a side salad for a more balanced meal. The combination of the creamy sauce, the al dente pasta, the crispy bacon, and the spicy pepper creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing.

In conclusion, trying out Jennifer Aniston's lightened - up spaghetti carbonara in the Better Homes & Garden's Test Kitchen was a delightful experience. By following the steps and tips outlined above, you can recreate this amazing dish in your own kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a plate of this mouth - watering spaghetti carbonara.