Light Fettuccine Alfredo
I wasn’t certain that this Light Fettuccine Alfredo would pass the family’s taste test. But they gobbled it up without a peep. And asked for more!
This Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo isn’t exactly low-cal, but it’s certainly lightened up from the heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan version we all love!
Why You Must Make
Light Fettuccine Alfredo??? You may be thinking that “Fettuccine Alfredo” and “Light” in the same recipe is contradictory and maybe even impossible! The traditional Italian pasta dish consists of long flat noodles mixed with a rich sauce of emulsified Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and butter, though most of the recipes I’ve used in the past call for heavy cream. How can this be made light and still delicious??? I’ve found a way.
- This post may be somewhat of a shocker to my devoted readers, but it’s actually a healthier version of our favorite fat-laden pasta dish. A typical Alfredo sauce is not for the calorie-conscious.
- But when I first made this Light Fettuccine Alfredo a few years back, nobody even noticed the changes. I knew from both my first bite and my family’s reaction that it was a winner.
- Plus it’s super easy! My family loves simple, comforting pasta dishes like Penne alla Vodka, Pasta with Sausage and Tomatoes, or this Creamy Pesto Pasta. We also enjoy this Spinach Alfredo Pasta. My family gave this healthier fettuccine Alfredo their hearty approval!
Ingredient Notes
- Kitchen Staples – Butter, Salt, Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Garlic – Minced
- Wondra Flour – This granular flour made by Gold Medal doesn’t lump. All-purpose flour may be substituted.
- 1% Milk – Less fat helps decrease the calories in this recipe.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – Use real Parmesano Reggiano. never the green can.
- ⅓ Less Fat Cream Cheese – Adds richness with fewer calories.
- Fettuccine – I use De Cecco brand but any brand will work.
- Fresh Flat-Leaf (Italian) Parsley -Minced.
What Makes this Recipe “Skinny?”
- Low-fat 1 or 2 percent milk and light cream cheese replace the heavy cream sauce in this Cooking Light version of Alfredo sauce. That cuts a lot of calories.
- But the butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese ensure it has plenty of flavor!
- It’s comfort food without the guilt!
How to Make
- Cook fettuccine according to package instructions and drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk, and stir until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in part of the Parmesan, cream cheese, and salt, stirring till the cheese melts.
- Add hot pasta and toss.
- Serve with a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan, flat-leaf parsley, and black pepper to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It was created by a restaurateur from Rome in the 1920s. His name was Alfredo di Lello.
The rich pasta sauce is traditionally made with butter, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and black pepper.
There are plenty of variations, from adding broccoli to chicken to salmon. Other ingredients like shrimp and even different varieties of pasta can be used, too.
You May Also Like
- Creamy Lemon One Pot Pasta from Diethood
- Classic Macaroni and Cheese
- Cheesy Baked Pasta with Prosciutto
- Spinach Stuffed Pasta Shells
- Mozzarella, Basil Parmigiano-Reggiano Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce
- Chicken Piccata Pasta
- More Pasta Recipes
Light Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
A lightened up Fettuccine Alfredo that past my family's scrutiny!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon flour (I used Wondra)
- 1 ⅓ cups 1% or 2% milk
- 1 ¼ cups Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons ⅓ less fat cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces fettuccine, cooked and drained
- 2 teaspoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook fettuccine according to package directions, and drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook just till fragrant, about a minute, stirring frequently.
- Stir in flour, then gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly till the mixture thickens.
- Add 1 cup of the Parmesan, cream cheese, and salt, stirring till the cheese melts. Add hot pasta and toss.
- Serve with a sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan, flat-leaf parsley, and black pepper to taste.
Notes
Adapted from Cooking Light.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 313Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 913mgCarbohydrates: 28gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 15g
93 Comments on “Light Fettuccine Alfredo”
Liz,
What a great post for one of my favorite pasta recipes. I love any creamed pasta recipes, but an Al Fredo is one of my top 3 recipes. Your lightened-up version is a perfect reason to indulge!
Stay warm!
xo
Roz
This lightened up version means I can have fettucine alfredo even more often, with no guilt! It may be missing some calories, but it’s certainly not short on taste!
Lighter, easy to make, and definitely delicious. If Bill and the rest of the family approved this, than we know we’re gonna love it as well:)
Thanx so much for the fantastic idea dear Liz!
Fantastic! I really used to love Cooking Light way back when and then I sort of stopped looking at their recipes- not sure why- this looks fantastic and indulgent too- I would defintely try this!
I haven’t made fettuccine alfredo in a long time. We would probably really like this recipe. I was a devoted Cooking Light follower for many years.
soooo creamy! No one would ever guess it’s lightened up!
I love this lightened up version! This is on of my favorite pasta dishes ever!
Awesome food shots, dear! xoxo
What a great idea to use cream cheese. Delish!
I LOVE alfredo. It’s second only to lasagna. I am definitely trying this one.
Fettuccine alfredo has been a favorite of mine since I was very young. I love making it with cauliflower now, but this light version sound like another awesome compromise.
This looks and sounds awesome! I’m always looking to lighten recipes without down grading them and youve hit the nail on the head with this recipe!
This lightened up version looks every bit as good as the original. Better even, because I can eat it more often ????!
I love fettuccine alfredo! there are definitely ways to get the cheesy goodness while still keeping it fairly light, as you show here.
I know my son would never resist eating a big bowl of this its his favorite!
I’ve tried this and found the lighter version was just as satisfying as the fatty one. Less guilt. 🙂
Where in the hell did the recipe go?!
Mmmm I love fettuccine alfredo! This recipe sounds light & delicious. You go girl!
I love your skinny version! I make this about once ever 2 months and I’m always looking for new ways to spruce it up without adding calories.
Adding to my recipe list 🙂
What a clever way to lighten up this classic…I bet the cream cheese makes it ultra creamy 🙂 Totally delicious!
Great recipe, Lizzy! My husband loves alfredo, but I refuse to make the full fat version at home! You did a great job lightening this one up!
Oh, I definitely want to try this version!
I love this recipe! It is perfect for my diet, I’ve just started! Congrats on the Foodbuzz top 9!
If I can find light cream cheese, I’ll have to give this a try. I love cream sauces and always looking for a way to make them less caloric.
Congrats on Top 9! And here’s to low cal versions of everything I love : )
Way to sneak in a healthy version Liz and congratulations on Today’s Top 9!
Lizzy! We’re in the Top 9 together my friend! Yay!! Congratulations!! As always, your creations look Ah-mazing!! Hope you have a great weekend! :o)
Congrats on the #1 spot, Lizzy. Lovely presentation and your light-version is a great excuse for putting this dish on the menu more often. Have a great weekend!
A light version of alfredo sauce?! So wonderful. Will definitely have to try this.
Congrats Liz on No 1!Well, this is a great alternative like you said to the normal version.I’m always scared to order this outside due to the fat content.I’ve never made Alfredo at home , but now that you posted this will give it a try 🙂
I’m always down for a light version of the classics! Can’t wait to try this and serve it to my health conscious family. Yum.
Wow! Love the light version. Congratulations on the FB top 9!
You just made my week! A light fettuccine alfredo that looks delicious!
You know I’ve never tried making my own alfredo sauce because it’s just soooo unhealthy but this sounds delicious & it’s a lightened version. Will have to give it a shot now! 🙂
yummy! I love Alfredo and its light, I will definitely be making this soon!
Yum! I love “light” alfredo – I can’t fully enjoy it if I’m regretting every bite that crosses my lips. 😉
This would definitely be “my last supper”. for sure.
Hey Lizzy , I’ve been eyeing this recipe from Cooking Light , too ! Your presentation looks better though 😉 Sorry Cooking Light hahaha
Such a great recipe! I’ve made this one a few times too and no one has every been able to tell its a ‘lighter’ recipe 🙂 And who can resist fettuccine alfredo??
When something is so deliciously awesome that you have to lick your fingers upon finshing it to get the full extravagance of the taste.
Liz, it looks just perfect! I’ve tried a lightened version form a cookbook and it was horrible…this one looks amazing!
that looks so yummy i wish i could have just a taste aha :b
Oh wonderful recipe for a great comfort food. I will be trying this very soon as I’m trying to eat a little healthier like the rest of America does in Jan. 🙂
It is always good go a little healthier and even better when they don’t notice the change. This sounds wonderful.
Ok I printed this out and I will try making this. Seems much easier than most of the stuff I ruin 😛
This is lovely Lizzy. A nice healthy pasta dish. I’m in!!!
Mmm! That looks good! Great pairing with salmon and asparagus! I haven’t eaten dinner yet… now I am hungry!
Due to my dessert consumption I normally don’t eat alfredo sauce, but I would eat this! It sounds awesome Lizzy, can’t wait to try it out!
flavourful looks fabulous
Finally, a fettucine I can enjoy guilt-free! I love it, but I’ve always held back because of the fat content. Also, these are ingredients I typically have on hand! Pinned, Stumbled and Bookmarked! Thanks!
What a great recipe – super to have a delicious low fat version of such a wonderful dish – thanks!
mary x
Looks delicious! 🙂 I love making Alfredo sauce using Laughing Cow cheese, you really don’t miss all the heavy cream and butter. Your version sounds wonderful, and fettuccine are one of my favorite ever pasta shapes 🙂
That looks awfully good–the only reason I don’t eat fettucine alfredo is the fat content, which I can’t justify. Your lightened-up version looks terrific.
Yummy yum – just the recipe for me,Lizzy!I love Fettuccine Alfredo very much, but since I didn’t know how to rustle it up,I’ve been having the store-bought one so far.This sure is a keeper and the low-fat stuff makes it all the more desirable:)Lovely photos!!
You’ve posted this recipe at a perfect time, as Liz and I are eating on the lighter side for a short period of time. 🙂
Love light version of pasta like this one! Simply delicious!
It looks so good with your Maple Glazed Salmon.
Looks good but I’m probably going to want to try the original as well.
This sounds wonderful Lizzy! Maybe I can replace my husband’s love of jarred alfredo sauce with this healthier alternative 🙂
Its ok to indulge in the heavy kind of food once a while as long as we know how to balance and go along fine with it. I can be conscious of food but that cannot be all the time.
Nice, simple and that creamy look on top is great but you know what, I need some chillies inside.
I have tried light alfredo sauces in the past without success. This one looks like a winner, will have to try it out.
An excellent lightened up version!
I love the idea of using reduced fat cream cheese in your sauce. The Fettuccine Alfredo looks delicious:)
Oh thank you, Lizzy! We love Alfredo, so this light version is something I need! Hugs!
Brilliant! I love lightened up dishes, makes you feel good about eating them! The salmon looks gorgeous too.
i like pasta great plate
Oh, Lizzy… you have no idea how much I appreciate seeing your light version of fettucine Alfredo. Haven’t made one, which is posted on my blog, for over 1 year, and it’s loaded with butter, and heavy cream…for sure not WW recipe!
Your “cooking light” adapted version is amazing, with the lowfat cream cheese addition. I know that I can have a little portion of this…such a great pairing with salmon. Very chic, and delicious:DDD
This looks like dinner tonight. Thanks for the lighter version of a favorite. Can’t wait to try it.
Uuummm, yes. Yes I will have some Less Guilty Alfredo. Make it a double.
Love the display.
Love that you made fetticini light.
Love your blog.
Thanks girl! Can’t wait to try it! (And not feel bad about a second helping!)
I can’t go without creamy pasta completely. Still rich tasting, I’m sure!
I can’t go without creamy pasta completely. Still rich tasting, I’m sure!
Totally YUMMY
I’m going to make this one! Creamy pasta sauces are my favorites and I could use a lighter version :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Great recipe Liz. Alfredo sauce is a true comfort food and this lightened up version is the best. A definite keeper.
YUM! I can’t wait to make this!
Just wonderful!! I love this lighter version, I will have to give it a try.
Cooking Light is becoming a good friend of mine. Their adaptions are usually pretty good and they know when to add flavor. This is no exception – it is not a heart attack on a plate and I would welcome this into my life.
Thank you for this wonderful lighter idea! I often try to “slim down” sauces, but I would have never thought of such a list of ingredients. It sounds as delicious as full fat cream sauce.
very very yummy!
Sometimes when recipes are adapted to be *lighter* some of the flavour does go missing. Love that you posted a recipe where it all stays in tact.
yes please! love lightened up pasta!
simply delicious and looks really gets along with that salmon..hmm..YUM! :p
That sounds a million times better to me than the fat laden version!
you know you can always win me over with some cheese :))
I used to love alfredo sauce as a kid and then I learned how bad it is for you. Thanks for the lightened up version. This looks like it still has tons of flavor!
Taking out all the fat and calories but still leaving that wonderful creamy flavor does make this recipe a winner! If you can’t tell the difference, I do not know why anyone would want the heavier one. Thanks for sharing. Tempting pictures!
At the end of the day all that matters is the flavor and you have achieved some beautiful flavor with these lighter ingredients. I would take the light version any day. 🙂
LOVE fettuccine alfredo, and I love even more that this is a lightened up version! Ill definitely be trying this 🙂
sounds like a great lighter version!
A great plate of pasta!
I’ve tried fettuccini Alfredo at TGI here in Greece and I loved them! It is great that you found a way to make the dish lighter and at the same time keep the good taste! I can see why it is a winner!
Nice alternative to such a heavy and rich dish.
Sneaky! A classic, but love the lighter version!