Skinny Alfredo Sauce

Indulge in the creamy, velvety goodness of Alfredo sauce—without the guilt! This Skinny Alfredo Sauce is lightened up with a few clever swaps, offering all the rich flavor you love with fewer calories. Made with milk, light cream cheese, and Parmesan, it’s a luscious and satisfying sauce that pairs perfectly with fettuccine and chicken for a hearty yet healthy meal.

---

Ingredients

• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup cold milk
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp light cream cheese (not fat-free)
• Salt, to taste
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz fresh fettuccine or 8 oz dried fettuccine
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Thickener:
In a small bowl, whisk the flour into the cold milk until dissolved and smooth. Set aside.

2. Sauté the Garlic:
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce Base:
Pour the milk-flour mixture into the saucepan with the garlic. Cook while whisking constantly over medium heat until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.

4. Add Creaminess:
Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

5. Finish the Sauce:
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

6. Cook the Pasta:
While preparing the sauce, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

7. Combine:
Toss the cooked pasta and warmed shredded chicken (if using) with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a spoonful of reserved pasta water at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

8. Garnish and Serve:
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

---

Tips for Perfect Skinny Alfredo Sauce

• Cold Milk Trick: Always whisk the flour into cold milk to prevent lumps.
• Cream Cheese Substitute: Light cream cheese adds richness, but Greek yogurt can be used for a tangier twist.
• Nutmeg Boost: Just a pinch of nutmeg enhances the flavor without overpowering.
• Protein Additions: Add grilled shrimp, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli for extra variety.
• Save Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water helps thin the sauce without diluting its flavor.

---

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This lightened-up Alfredo sauce brings all the indulgence of classic recipes with none of the heaviness. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, it’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that you’ll feel great serving to family and friends.