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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: fettuccine alfredo, skinny alfredo sauce, healthy pasta recipe, creamy pasta sauce, low fat italian recipe, parmesan pasta, quick dinner
