Lightened Up Creamy Spinach Fettucine
Indulge in the perfect balance of comfort and health with this Lightened Up Creamy Spinach Fettuccine recipe. This dish features tender fettuccine pasta luxuriously coated in a velvety sauce made with low-fat Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, and a touch of milk, delivering all the creaminess you crave with a lighter twist. Nutritious baby spinach is wilted into the sauce, bringing vibrant color and earthy flavor, while fresh lemon juice adds a bright, zesty finish. The recipe is quick and easy, ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Optional garnishes like fresh parsley and red pepper flakes add a customizable flair. Serve this irresistible creamy spinach pasta with a side of crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete and wholesome meal. Perfect for those craving a rich pasta dish with fewer calories, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup plain low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 cup milk (low-fat or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining and set the cooked pasta aside.
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Add the baby spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted.
Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the Greek yogurt, grated Parmesan cheese, and milk. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Season the sauce with lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if the sauce seems too thick.
Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, additional Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.
Enjoy your Lightened Up Creamy Spinach Fettuccine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1786 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.5 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.0 g | 95% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 2853 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 269.4 g | 98% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.6 g | 59% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.1 g | ||
| Protein | 83.1 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.2 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1219 mg | 94% | |
| Iron | 6.2 mg | 34% | |
| Potassium | 529 mg | 11% | |
*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.
