Craving a decadent pasta dish that won't derail your health goals? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this mouthwatering Low Fat Creamy Fettuccine that proves healthy eating can be incredibly delicious! In just 25 minutes, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your taste buds dancing and your body thanking you. This isn't just another pasta recipe - it's a game-changing culinary experience that combines creamy comfort with light, nutritious goodness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine
- 1 cup low-fat cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of fettuccine, 1 cup of low-fat cream, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help flavor the fettuccine as it cooks.
- Add the fettuccine to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small amount of cooking spray if desired.
- Finely chop the 2 cloves of garlic and add them to the saucepan. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Once the garlic is fragrant, pour in the 1 cup of low-fat cream. Stir continuously to combine the garlic and cream, allowing the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the Parmesan cheese is salty, so taste before adding too much salt.
- Once the fettuccine is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- Immediately add the drained fettuccine to the saucepan with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit for a minute to cool slightly. This will help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- To serve, divide the creamy fettuccine among four plates. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your low-fat creamy fettuccine while it's warm!
Tips
- Always salt your pasta water generously - it's your first chance to add flavor to the dish.
- Reserve some pasta water before draining; the starchy liquid is a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauces.
- Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
- Watch your garlic carefully when sautéing - burnt garlic can quickly turn bitter.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh lemon zest to the sauce.
- Use low-fat cream to keep the dish light, but don't compromise on taste.
- Toss the pasta in the sauce immediately after cooking to help it absorb maximum flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh element to the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 292kcal
Carbohydrates: 46g
Protein: 14g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
