Make pasta night both quick and incredibly satisfying with this heart-healthy Fettuccine Alfredo. In just 30 minutes, you can create a luscious, garlicky Alfredo sauce using skim milk instead of heavy cream for a low-sodium, low-fat masterpiece that has all the classic comfort food flavor you crave. You'll find more low sodium dinner recipes here.
This recipe transforms traditional Fettuccine Alfredo into a heart-healthy meal by using skim milk instead of heavy cream to lower saturated fat, incorporating whole-grain fettuccine for added fiber, and using unsalted butter to significantly reduce the sodium content.
A traditional version is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. This heart-healthy recipe is much better, as it's made with skim milk and olive oil to be low in both.
Ensure you are using unsalted butter and a Parmesan cheese block that you grate yourself, as pre-shredded cheeses can contain more sodium. Avoid adding any extra salt.
Absolutely! To keep it heart-healthy, add grilled or baked skinless chicken breast or shrimp. This will boost the protein without adding significant unhealthy fats.
These comforting classic meals are made healthier with smart ingredient swaps.
Choose one of these healthy salad and veggie options to add color and zest to your meal.
Recipe yields 4 servings
Prepare fettuccine according to package directions and drain in a colander.
While fettuccine is cooking, make the Alfredo sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add oil, garlic and sauté until slightly golden. Add milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly. Stir in cheese, a little at a time, stirring constantly.
In a small cup, mix flour with water until smooth. Add to milk mixture. Stir constantly until sauce thickens. When sauce thickens, immediately remove from heat. (If sauce is too thick, add an additional 2 tablespoons milk and stir.) Add pepper and peas and stir. Toss cooked pasta with sauce and serve immediately.
Add 1 cup of cooked, diced chicken breast or shrimp to the sauce along with the peas.
Simply swap the whole-grain fettuccine for your favorite gluten-free pasta.
For a richer sauce without the heavy cream, try blending 1/4 cup of low-fat cottage cheese and adding it to the saucepan.
Feel free to add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets or sautéed mushrooms for more nutrients and fiber.