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    Home » Recipes » Dinner » Pasta

    Low Fat Tagliatelle Carbonara

    Published: Feb 15, 2018 · Updated: Aug 30, 2022 by Neil 16 Comments

    369 shares
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    Low fat tagliatelle carbonara is a lighter version of the traditional classic Italian pasta dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthier recipe is the perfect weeknight low fat dinner.

    Two plates one in front of the other of low fat tagliatelle carbonara with forks to the side. Front plate with a slice of garlic bread on.

    This healthier low fat tagliatelle carbonara recipe is so creamy folks! You'd be forgiven for thinking that its made the traditional way with egg yolks to make up the sauce.

    Nope! There's no eggs used here to make up that sauce, nor is there any full fat cream either.

    What I've used here instead is low fat creme fraiche, in moderation, and some grated Parmesan.

    That's what still gives it that delicious creamy cheesy indulgent sauce affect. But it's now a lighter low fat carbonara with creme fraiche!

    This low fat carbonara recipe is ideal if you're trying to cut out fat or are on a low fat diet.

    Or when you just crave a yummy low fat pasta recipe with less calories.

    Close up of a plates of low fat tagliatelle carbonara with a fork to the side and a slice of garlic bread on.

    It was about seven years ago when I decided enough was enough. I needed to shift the extra two stones in weight I was carrying around.

    I started doing that by changing the ingredients I cooked with. By cooking and eating more low fat recipes. For example replacing cream with fat free yogurt, creme fraiche or a light cream cheese.

    Cooking this way, replacing high fat or calorific ingredients with lower fat / lower calorie substitutes is now the norm. It stuck and since then I haven't put the weight back on.

    Sometimes though, you really can't beat a good old fashioned rich Italian Carbonara. And I do look forward to that as a treat when my other half and I go out for dinner together, to a real Italian restaurant! 🙂

    Cooking at home though I prefer to cook healthy low fat meals. Like this low fat healthy tagliatelle recipe.

    Birds eye view of a plate of low fat tagliatelle carbonara with a fork to the side and slice of garlic bread on.

    Why This Low Fat Tagliatelle Carbonara Is Healthier

    • Instead of regular bacon or lardons as is traditional, I used turkey bacon which is lower in calories and fat.
    • Eggs and full fat cream, which are high in fat and calories are not used.
    • Low fat creme fraiche mixed with some grated parmesan makes up the alternative sauce.
    • There are only 450 calories in this low calorie carbonara. A full fat version can be up to 650 calories per portion!

    For This Tagliatelle Carbonara You May Need….

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product, I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through, then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    This is the set of pans I recommend for cooking with.

    The set includes 16, 18, 20 cm saucepans, 1 x 14 cm milk pan and 1 x 24 cm fry pan.

    The pans are suitable for all hobs including induction.

    They come with a 1-year guarantee which can be extended to a 10-year warranty when you register the product.

    Why Not Try These Other Popular Low Fat Pasta Recipes?

    • Low fat chicken pasta in white sauce is delicious! An amazingly easy white sauce chicken pasta recipe made without any actual cream!
    • Pesto chicken tagliatelle is a fantastic 20-minute budget recipe just bursting with flavour. This easy pasta dinner makes for a comforting and filling weeknight family meal!
    • Crème fraiche tagliatelle chicken is a delicious dinner recipe. A fusion of chicken and vegetables cooked in low fat crème fraiche instead of cream.
    • This easy pasta arrabiata recipe is a simple quick healthy meal for four made in less than half an hour. When you’re short on time, but still want those classic Mediterranean flavours, this delicious dish will satisfy all those needs with minimal fuss and effort.
    • Low fat garlic mushroom pasta. This is one delicious quick healthy dish that the whole family will thank you for. You’ll think you’re in a restaurant and this will become a weekly family staple!
    • Tuna linguine is a delicious quick and easy weeknight meal. This canned tuna recipe makes for the perfect budget family meal to fill everyone up!

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    Enjoy this healthy carbonara as one of your low fat dinner options at only 450 calories per portion! Click to Tweet

    Low Fat Tagliatelle Carbonara Recipe

    For this healthy carbonara recipe I used shop bought tagliatelle pasta to save time. But, when I have more time I do like to make my own tagliatelle pasta.

    To make your own Tagliatelle, follow the steps in my Tagliatelle With Home-made Pesto recipe.

    I’d love to hear what you think of my recipe in the comments below and please do rate my recipe 5* if you like it! 🙂

    Low fat tagliatelle carbonara is a lighter version of the traditional classic Italian pasta dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthier recipe is the perfect weeknight low fat dinner.
    Print Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    5 from 3 votes

    Low Fat Tagliatelle Carbonara Recipe

    Low fat tagliatelle carbonara is a lighter version of the traditional classic Italian pasta dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, this healthier recipe is the perfect weeknight low fat dinner.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time15 mins
    Total Time30 mins
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Italian
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 450kcal
    Author: Neil

    The following links and any links in the recipe card below are affiliate links.

    This means that if you click on it and then buy that product I’ll get a small commission (at no extra cost to you of course).

    If you do click through then thanks for being a part of Neil’s Healthy Meals!

    Equipment

    • Saucepans
    • Non stick frying pan
    • Measuring spoons
    • Kitchen knives
    • Measuring jug
    • Chopping board
    • Wooden spoon
    • Garlic press

    Ingredients

    • 400 g dried tagliatelle
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 small onion finely chopped
    • 4 rashers of turkey bacon chopped
    • 1 clove garlic crushed
    • 200 ml low fat crème fraiche
    • 60 g parmesan cheese grated
    • 2 tablespoon flatleaf parsley chopped
    • Freshly grated salt and pepper
    Metric - US Customary

    Instructions

    • Cook tagliatelle according to package directions*.
    • Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and sauté the onion, bacon and garlic together until cooked for about 3 – 4 minutes.
    • Stir in the crème fraiche and when it starts to bubble turn down to simmer stirring frequently for about 2 minutes.
    • Remove from the heat, stir in the parmesan, parsley and season to taste.
    • Drain the pasta and combine it with the sauce. Serve.

    Notes

    *Make your own tagliatelle by following the steps in this recipe.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 78.9g | Protein: 15.8g | Fat: 7.4g | Saturated Fat: 1.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.5g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 157.4mg | Fiber: 3.9g | Sugar: 4.4g | Vitamin C: 4.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 3.6mg

    Nutrition Facts
    Low Fat Tagliatelle Carbonara
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 450 Calories from Fat 67
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 7.4g11%
    Saturated Fat 1.4g9%
    Monounsaturated Fat 3.5g
    Cholesterol 12mg4%
    Sodium 157.4mg7%
    Carbohydrates 78.9g26%
    Fiber 3.9g16%
    Sugar 4.4g5%
    Protein 15.8g32%
    Vitamin C 4.1mg5%
    Calcium 40mg4%
    Iron 3.6mg20%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Agness of Run Agness Run

      February 15, 2018 at 10:51 am

      I love pasta and this recipe is a must try for me, Neil. A perfect combination of ingredients for a tasty dish.

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 15, 2018 at 1:14 pm

        There's plenty of running fuel in this healthy dinner too Agness. If it's a gym day for me early the next morning, I'll try and carb up the night before with something tasty like this to give me plenty of energy!

        Reply
    2. David @ Spiced

      February 15, 2018 at 12:47 pm

      As I mentioned on Tuesday, I've been excited to see how you made this classic recipe a bit more low-fat. Creme fraiche, eh? Interesting! Creme fraiche is a bit harder to find in the stores here in the States, but it can be done. And now I want to try it out! A good creamy carbonara is seriously one of my biggest weaknesses, and the thought of making a lower-fat version is totally intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing this one, Neil! It's going on the menu soon for sure! Hope you and Lynne had a wonderful Valentine's Day yesterday, and cheers to a great weekend ahead! 🙂

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 15, 2018 at 1:24 pm

        Thanks David. I get excited to see ANY of your recipes. They're always so fresh and inspiring so I'm really happy that you were excited to see mine! I hope you get the chance to pick up some creme fraiche, as this recipe is definitely worth the effort of checking out! I hope that you and Laura have a great weekend yourselves too! 😀

        Reply
    3. Ashika | Gardening Foodie

      February 15, 2018 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      What an amazing meal this is Neil. So full of flavour and deliciousness minus the high calories which usually come with a pasta dish. I love how you substituted the ingredients to create a healthier low fat version. Thank you for this delicious recipe...this I have got to try 🙂

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 16, 2018 at 4:36 am

        Thanks Ashika, I hope you get a chance to try it. It's totally worth it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Christina

      February 16, 2018 at 5:49 pm

      Oh, snap! A lighter creamy pasta?!?! SIGN ME UP!! I love pasta with cream sauces but rarely make them bc I'm trying to be healthier and what not. But I'm SO down to try a lighter version when I have the hankering for creamy pasta!!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 17, 2018 at 7:39 am

        Thanks Christina, I promise that you'll still find this pasta dish just as tasty as the full fat original version made with cream! I hope you enjoy it when you get a chance to make it! 🙂

        Reply
    5. GiGi Eats

      February 17, 2018 at 1:48 am

      5 stars
      I have never had any type of carbonara before. When I was a spaghetti eater, I ate it PLAIN. Okay, lie - I ate it with butttteerrrrrrr and PARM cheese! I would spell that cheese's name out but I ALWAYS spell it wrong. I was a very simple eater, much like I am now. But honestly, I sort of wish I could go back in time and try a bunch of these recipes/dishes because there are SO MANY pasta dishes like this one, that I'd love to put in my mouth!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 17, 2018 at 7:41 am

        My mum only used to ever make spaghetti bolognese when I was younger, I had no idea that there were so many other types of pasta dishes until I started going to restaurants and seeing what was on offer GiGi! But you know, sometimes simple is best and spaghetti with butter and Parmesan cheese is pretty delicious isn't it? 🙂

        Reply
    6. Jeff

      February 17, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      I really like your thinking on this one, Neil. I make my own crème fraiche, but I've never made a low-fat version. You've spurred me on to find out how. Thanks!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 19, 2018 at 4:46 am

        That's brilliant that you make your own crème fraiche Jeff. That's not something I've ever made! I'll need to look that up and see what it entails. 🙂

        Reply
    7. Ben|Havocinthekitchen

      February 20, 2018 at 2:19 am

      I think I've never made the authentic carbonara, with cream and eggs (Although I don't mind consuming some extra fats...this just never happened). Indeed, I rarely incorporate cream in pasta - I prefer some cream cheese. I think crème fraiche has the similar idea here. Love this lighter version, Neil!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 20, 2018 at 9:04 am

        Thanks Ben, I thought you would like this lower fat version! Hope you are feeling warmer over there in Nova Scotia! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Shashi at SavorySpin

      February 20, 2018 at 2:29 pm

      5 stars
      Neil, my daughter LOVES a rich Italian Carbonara - but, me, I much prefer a lighter one - especially one that has BACON!!! This looks fantastic - and kudos on keeping the weight off - you and Lady Lynne are such an inspiration - love y'alls practical and steadfast approach to food and travel and live in general!

      Reply
      • neil@neilshealthymeals.com

        February 20, 2018 at 3:25 pm

        Thanks Shashi, that's so nice of you to say that. Not just your compliments about my recipe but also about Lady Lynne and I being an inspiration. That means a lot. Thank you. 😀

        Reply

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