This Fettuccine Alfredo recipe skips the heavy cream but still delivers a creamy, indulgent sauce made with a few simple ingredients like milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It’s lighter but still packed with flavor, making it perfect for a satisfying meal without the extra richness of heavy cream.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: ~400 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for best results)
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Milk and Thicken
Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help thicken it.
4. Stir in the Parmesan
Once the milk has slightly reduced, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Combine with the Pasta
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve the fettuccine Alfredo immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips for the Best Fettuccine Alfredo Without Heavy Cream
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper.
This version of Fettuccine Alfredo is lighter but still wonderfully creamy and satisfying, making it perfect for when you crave comfort food without the heaviness of cream.
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Fettuccine Alfredo Without Heavy Cream
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Description
This Fettuccine Alfredo recipe skips the heavy cream but still delivers a creamy, indulgent sauce made with a few simple ingredients like milk, butter, and Parmesan cheese. It’s lighter but still packed with flavor, making it perfect for a satisfying meal without the extra richness of heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% for best results)
- 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water for later.
2. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add the Milk and Thicken
Pour in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you’d like a thicker sauce, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help thicken it.
4. Stir in the Parmesan
Once the milk has slightly reduced, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Combine with the Pasta
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish
Serve the fettuccine Alfredo immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of chicken broth or vegetable broth to the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best taste and texture.
- If you want a little extra flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or white pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~400 per serving