Skinny Alfredo Garlic Parmesan Pasta (Printer-friendly)

A creamy garlic Parmesan pasta using lighter dairy and whole wheat noodles for a guilt-free dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz whole wheat fettuccine or spaghetti

→ Sauce

02 - 2 teaspoons olive oil
03 - 4 large garlic cloves, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups skim milk, warmed
06 - 1/4 cup reduced-fat cream cheese, cubed
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

→ Garnish

11 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
12 - Extra freshly grated Parmesan, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
03 - Sprinkle flour over garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
04 - Gradually whisk in warmed skim milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue whisking until sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese cubes and stir until fully melted and combined.
06 - Stir in grated Parmesan, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg if desired. Simmer gently until smooth and creamy.
07 - Add drained pasta to sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
08 - Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Lighter take on Alfredo
  • Satisfying guilt-free meal
02 -
  • Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier meal
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency
03 -
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
  • Warm the milk before adding to the roux to help sauce thicken faster
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