Name: Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb fettucine pasta; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons unbleached, all purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup vegetable broth; 1 cup skim milk; 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

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If you are craving a delicious and comforting pasta dish that doesn’t weigh you down, this Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine tender fettuccine noodles bathed in a velvety sauce that’s rich and satisfying but made with lighter ingredients to keep things guilt-free. This recipe masterfully delivers that classic Alfredo flavor with a lovely creamy texture that will have you coming back for seconds, all while feeling delightfully light. It’s a simple, elegant meal that feels indulgent without the heaviness, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a health-conscious twist on a beloved favorite.

Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Whipping up this Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo calls for just a handful of ingredients, each chosen to enhance the creamy texture and familiar flavors without unnecessary fat or calories. These staples come together effortlessly, creating that smooth, cheesy sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta.

1 lb fettucine pasta: The perfect canvas to soak up the luscious Alfredo sauce with its wide, flat noodles.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a mild richness and helps create the roux base for the sauce.
2 tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce gently, ensuring creamy consistency without heaviness.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers subtle savory depth without overpowering the delicate sauce.
1 cup vegetable broth: A lighter alternative to cream that adds savory flavor and moisture.
1 cup skim milk: Keeps the sauce creamy while reducing fat content dramatically compared to heavy cream.
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated: The star ingredient for that slightly nutty, tangy punch of classic Alfredo flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together beautifully.
Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

How to Make Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Begin by cooking your fettuccine according to the package instructions, so you get perfectly tender noodles. Be sure to save about a quarter cup of the pasta cooking water before draining – this starchy liquid is a secret weapon to help loosen the sauce later and create the ideal silky texture.

Step 2: Create the Roux Base

While your pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once fully melted, whisk in the flour and garlic powder, stirring constantly for about two minutes. This step cooks off the raw flour taste and builds the foundation for a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to every bite.

Step 3: Add Vegetable Broth

Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously. This will help keep the mixture smooth and lump-free, adding a delicate depth that’s lighter than the heavy cream typically used.

Step 4: Incorporate Skim Milk

Next, slowly whisk in the skim milk. Taking your time with this step ensures the sauce remains smooth and starts to thicken into that luscious consistency we all crave in Alfredo dishes.

Step 5: Simmer and Thicken

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to coat the back of a spoon – this is where the magic happens and the sauce becomes velvety.

Step 6: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

Turn the heat down to low and add the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences for that perfect savory balance.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Remove the skillet from the heat and gently toss in your cooked fettuccine. Stir everything together so the noodles are evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency—this trick makes the sauce wonderfully silky and light. Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and your dish is ready to serve right away.

How to Serve Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a must for bright color and a subtle herbal kick that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. For an extra touch, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a hint of lemon zest can add an exciting contrast to the richness and make every bite pop with flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed with light vinaigrettes to balance the creaminess. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add wonderful textures and freshness that make the meal feel complete without being heavy.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try plating your Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo in individual shallow bowls topped with a drift of parmesan curls and a delicate sprig of parsley. Drizzling a little good quality olive oil or adding a twist of fresh ground black pepper at the end elevates the dish to restaurant-quality at home.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken as it cools, but it will loosen right back up when reheated with a bit of extra milk or pasta water.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Transfer the pasta and sauce separately into freezer-safe containers to avoid texture changes. Frozen portions will maintain quality for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating carefully.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of skim milk or reserved pasta water to restore the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to ensure even heating without clumping or drying out. Avoid the microwave as it can cause the sauce to separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional and perfect for this creamy sauce, you can use linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne. Just be sure to adjust cooking times according to package directions.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk along with a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The texture might be slightly different but still deliciously creamy.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For a thicker sauce, cook it a bit longer to reduce liquid or add slightly more flour in the initial roux. To thin it out, simply stir in reserved pasta water or additional skim milk gradually until you reach your preferred consistency.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted mushrooms make great additions and complement the creamy flavors beautifully while boosting the meal’s satiety.

What’s the best way to grate parmesan cheese?

Freshly grating your parmesan using a fine or microplane grater yields the best melt and flavor. Pre-grated parmesan often contains additives that prevent smooth melting and can affect the texture of your sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo is one of those special dishes that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or indulgence to keep things light and fresh. It’s a comforting, satisfying pasta that’s simple to make and sure to become a regular favorite at your table. I truly hope you’ll give it a try—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.

Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Creamy Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo is a lightened-up version of the classic Italian pasta dish. It uses vegetable broth and skim milk instead of heavy cream, making it lower in fat and calories while still delivering rich, cheesy flavor with parmesan cheese and a buttery garlic sauce. A perfect comforting yet healthier meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

1 lb fettucine pasta

Sauce

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons unbleached, all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup vegetable broth
1 cup skim milk
1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Fresh parsley, roughly chopped for garnish

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare Roux: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in the flour and garlic powder, cooking for 2 minutes while whisking frequently to form a smooth roux.
Add Broth: Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the skim milk, ensuring the sauce remains smooth without lumps.
Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
Incorporate Cheese: Lower heat to low and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Cook for an additional minute, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Remove sauce from heat and add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to reach your preferred sauce consistency (about 2 tablespoons recommended).
Garnish and Serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately for a comforting, creamy meal.

Notes

For a lighter dish, use unbleached all-purpose flour to avoid additives.
Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to better cling to the pasta.
Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth if not strictly vegetarian.
Serve immediately as the sauce thickens upon cooling.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian