Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Indulge in the creamy comfort of Alfredo sauce without sacrificing your health goals with this *Heart-Healthy Penne Pasta with Alfredo Sauce* recipe. Made with wholesome whole-wheat penne, skim milk, and a touch of olive oil, this dish offers a nutritious twist on a classic favorite. The velvety sauce skips heavy cream, relying on Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, and a cornstarch slurry for a luscious, guilt-free texture. Aromatic garlic and a sprinkle of fresh parsley elevate the flavors while keeping it light and vibrant. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re seeking a low-fat Alfredo alternative or simply a delicious, heart-smart meal, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients with indulgent taste.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz whole-wheat penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups skim milk
- 1.5 tbsp cornstarch
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the whole-wheat penne pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
In a small bowl, whisk 0.5 cup of skim milk with the cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
Slowly add the remaining 1 cup of skim milk to the saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Add the cornstarch-milk mixture to the saucepan, whisking continuously until the sauce begins to thicken, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, black pepper, and salt. Continue to whisk until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the drained penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, if necessary.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
454 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.2 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g | 17% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 13 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 335 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 71.8 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 19.7 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 258 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 425 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
