Make pasta night a quick, easy and downright delicious affair with this healthy fettuccine Alfredo recipe. Dive into the creamy, garlicky noodles that are perfected with black pepper and tender peas.
When people think of fettuccine alfredo, they don’t think often think of a dish that’s healthy. That’s because the classic dish is made using heavy cream, butter and cheese. But this healthy fettucine alfredo may surprise you. It contains all of the creamy-tasting goodness of the original, without all the fat and calories. This heart-healthy pasta recipe starts with whole-grain fettuccine to add more fiber to the dish. The creamy sauce contains all of the flavors you would expect in an alfredo sauce but it is made lighter. Skim milk replaces the heavy cream, and although butter and cheese are included, they are not overdone. The green peas not only add a touch of color but are a fresh, welcome addition to the creamy pasta. You may be surprised to know that one cup of this decadent pasta clocks in at just over 300 calories, which is quite low for a pasta dish. You may be even more surprised to find out that this heart-healthy fettucine alfredo also contains 7g of fiber and only 3g of saturated fat. It’s also low in sodium, with just 209mg. How’s that for a healthy take on a comfort food classic?
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.