Guilt-Free Creamy Pasta That Hits Like the Real Thing

Let’s be honest—creamy pasta is a top-tier comfort food. But the usual suspects (heavy cream, bacon, oil overload) can make you feel like you just carbo-loaded for a nap. Enter: this lightened-up version. Same richness, same fork-twirling satisfaction—just a whole lot friendlier to your goals.

My Weeknight Pasta Obsession (That Doesn’t Sink My Calories)

I threw this together after a long day when I wanted something indulgent but didn’t want to undo my entire week of clean eating. The solution? A creamy burrata pasta with olive oil, herbs, and a high-protein base. No butter, no cream—just a clever combo of textures and flavors that make it feel restaurant-worthy. It’s deceptively simple and comes together in under 20 minutes.

🧄 Ingredient Breakdown:

• Whole wheat or chickpea linguine – adds fiber and protein

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil – healthy fats, flavor booster

• Garlic + shallots – sautéed until golden

• Turkey bacon or plant-based bacon – cuts fat without losing the savory

• 1 ball light burrata or whipped cottage cheese – protein-packed creamy finish

• Fresh basil pesto drizzle – flavor bomb with clean ingredients

• Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes

  
  

🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil pasta to al dente. Save ¼ cup pasta water.

2. In a pan, sauté garlic + shallots in olive oil until fragrant.

3. Add chopped turkey bacon, stir until crisped.

4. Toss in cooked pasta, mix well with pasta water to coat.

5. Plate the pasta, top with burrata, and drizzle pesto over everything.

6. Season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if you like a kick.

   
   

❓ FAQ:

Q: Can I swap the burrata?Absolutely. Use whipped cottage cheese or even low-fat ricotta.

Q: Is this good cold, too?Weirdly, yes. It makes a fire cold lunch the next day.

Q: What’s the calorie breakdown?Depends on your pasta choice, but this version clocks in at about 450–500 calories with 30g+ protein.

📋 Recipe Card

Lean Creamy Burrata Pasta (serves 2)

• 6 oz whole wheat or chickpea linguine

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, 1 shallot

• 2 strips turkey bacon or plant-based alt

• 2 balls light burrata (or ½ cup whipped cottage cheese)

• 1 tbsp pesto (store-bought or homemade)

• Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes

  
  

Macros per serving (approx.): 30g protein / 45g carbs / 15g fat

Total Calories: ~480