Light(Er) Alfredo Sauce With Pasta 🍝
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Light(Er) Alfredo Sauce With Pasta
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 0 seconds
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Description: Indulge in the creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce without feeling guilty! This recipe, inspired by Cooking Light magazine, offers a lighter version of the classic favorite without compromising on flavor.
- Recipe Category: Cheese
- Keywords: Healthy, < 30 Mins, Stove Top
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 418.6
- Fat: 12.4g
- Saturated Fat: 7.2g
- Cholesterol: 34.7mg
- Sodium: 423.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 59.5g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 1.5g
- Protein: 16.2g
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. |
| 2 | In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. |
| 3 | Add half-and-half, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. |
| 4 | Reduce heat, then add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss to coat the pasta with the creamy Alfredo sauce. |
Detailed Instructions:
-
Cook Pasta:
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. Ensure to omit any additional salt and fat usually recommended in the cooking instructions. This step helps reduce unnecessary sodium and fat intake while preparing the dish.
-
Prepare Skillet:
- While the pasta is cooking, take a large skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. The butter adds a rich flavor to the sauce without overwhelming it with unnecessary fat.
-
-
Create the Sauce:
- Once the butter is melted, add the half-and-half to the skillet. This dairy product provides a creamy base for the Alfredo sauce while keeping it lighter compared to using heavy cream.
- Sprinkle in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. These ingredients contribute to the classic Alfredo flavor profile while also enhancing the dish’s overall taste.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- After about a minute of stirring the sauce ingredients together, reduce the heat to prevent the sauce from boiling or becoming too thick.
- Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure each strand is coated evenly with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Light(Er) Alfredo Sauce With Pasta immediately, garnished with additional grated parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper if desired.
- Pair this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
- Accompany the pasta with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any remaining sauce on the plate.
Enjoy your guilt-free indulgence! 🍴
