Craving the rich, luxurious taste of classic Alfredo pasta but worried about the calories? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Reduced Fat Fettuccine Alfredo that proves healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor! This ingenious recipe transforms the traditional heavy cream-laden dish into a lighter, yet equally tantalizing meal that will have your taste buds dancing and your waistline thanking you.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup low-fat milk
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp light cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, sauté minced garlic over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour low-fat milk into the saucepan with garlic. Whisk in light cream cheese until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese to the milk mixture, stirring continuously to create a creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Return pasta to the pot and pour the Alfredo sauce over it. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly.
- If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the creamy yet lighter version of classic Alfredo.
Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
- Watch your garlic carefully while sautéing to prevent burning, which can make the sauce bitter.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - it's a secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente to prevent a mushy texture.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest and most luxurious state.
- For added nutrition, consider adding some sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 24mg
