Light Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this quick and easy recipe for *Light Pasta and Cheese Sauce*, a deliciously creamy yet guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with low-fat milk, sharp cheddar, and savory Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness. A hint of garlic and onion powders adds depth of flavor, while a golden roux ensures the sauce is silky smooth. Ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, wholesome meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch, and savor every bite of this easy-to-make family favorite! Keywords: light pasta, cheese sauce, creamy pasta recipe, easy weeknight meals, low-fat pasta dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns light golden and has a nutty aroma.
Gradually add the low-fat milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted, forming a smooth sauce.
Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
361 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.1 g | 27% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 65 mg | 22% | |
| Sodium | 657 mg | 29% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.8 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.2 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.1 g | ||
| Protein | 18.8 g | 38% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 476 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 0.9 mg | 5% | |
| Potassium | 46 mg | 1% | |
*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.
