Light Whole Wheat Pasta with Creamy White Cheese Sauce
Indulge in comfort and nourishment with this Light Whole Wheat Pasta with Creamy White Cheese Sauce, a quick and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring wholesome whole wheat pasta tossed in a velvety, lightened-up cheese sauce made with low-fat milk, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this dish delivers the rich creaminess you crave without overindulging. A hint of garlic sautéed in olive oil and butter adds aromatic depth, while fresh parsley offers a vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is a satisfying option for those seeking a healthier take on classic cheesy pasta. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced, family-friendly dinner!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in the low-fat milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper.
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy white cheese sauce.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the light whole wheat pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1742 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 98.3 g | 126% | |
| Saturated Fat | 52.8 g | 264% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 261 mg | 87% | |
| Sodium | 3684 mg | 160% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 130.1 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.2 g | ||
| Protein | 96.3 g | 193% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 2350 mg | 181% | |
| Iron | 5.4 mg | 30% | |
| Potassium | 598 mg | 13% | |
*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.
