Lightened Up Alfredo

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So I think you guys have pretty much got it by now, if I am going to cheat (on my diet, not my husband) it’s going to be with pasta. I’d like to blame it on my Italian mother but, let’s be honest, it’s just the pasta’s fault for tasting like a freaking dream. And this Lightened Up Alfredo is a dream — just not a heavy one.

Speaking of tasting like a dream, can we talk alfredo sauce for a minute? Good Lawd that stuff is gooood but I don’t know about you guys but after I eat I feel. like. crap. If you are in the same boat as me I’ll tell you why it hurts– it’s because it’s filled with heavy cream, a ton of butter, and has absolutely no nutritional value whatsoever. I’ve made a much lighter, pain-free version of alfredo in my kitchen that my kids and I just love. I’m not saying this Lightened Up Alfredo is packed full of nutrients, you’ll find that I still use butter and milk in my recipe, however, it’s a helluva lot better than the real deal and it tastes fantastic too!

So, for all you alfredo lovers out there that want to lighten it up a bit, this one is for you. And for all you mommas out there, I add steamed broccoli and carrots to mine and my kids love it! And for an even easier recipe — for you or the kids — try my One-Pot Penne Alfredo! Lightened Up Alfredo

Lightened Up Alfredo

2017-05-22 10:45:00

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

35 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

30 min

Total Time

35 min

Ingredients

1 box pasta (try using Jovial Gluten Free Brown Rice Pasta!)
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. unbleached, all purpose flour
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 cups 1% milk
kosher salt, to taste
black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup - 1 cup of reserved pasta water (see below)
1 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Parsley, for serving
Grated parmesan, for serving (optional)
crushed red pepper, for serving (optional)

Instructions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the box of pasta and a large pinch of salt once boiling and cook according to package instructions BUT before draining the pasta, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water from the pot in a bowl. Set aside and drain the pasta from the remaining water. Set the pasta in a large bowl and drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil and season with a little kosher salt, Toss to coat so it doesn't all stick together!
Heat a saucepan over medium heat with olive oil and the butter. When the butter has melted add in the minced garlic and saute for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn.
Add in the flour and whisk until the flour is combined with the butter and no longer has clumps in it.
Pour in the milk and whisk, bring to a simmer and let simmer (whisking often) until the sauce has thickened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Add in the shredded parmesan cheese and season generously with kosher salt, and a little black pepper (you can add crushed red pepper flakes too for some heat).
Now, it's your time to decide what type of consistency you want your sauce by adding a little of the pasta water to thin it out (you don't even have to if you don't want to but pasta water will thin out your sauce yet still leave it nice and creamy). Start by adding 1/2 cup and see what you think, then slowly add a little more if you like a thinner sauce. Your call!
When the sauce is where you want it, and the cheese inside is melted nicely, pour over the pasta and toss to coat. Add some freshly chopped parsley for garnish, serve and enjoy!

By Alex Snodgrass

The Defined Dish https://thedefineddish.com/