Lighter Lemon Alfredo Sauce
Brighten up your pasta nights with this velvety Lighter Lemon Alfredo Sauce, a guilt-free twist on the classic creamy favorite! Made with simple pantry staples like low-fat milk, low-sodium broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this recipe delivers all the luxurious creaminess you crave without the heavy cream. A vibrant splash of fresh lemon juice and zest sets this sauce apart, adding a zesty freshness that perfectly complements its rich, garlicky base. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy sauce is ideal for drizzling over pasta, roasted vegetables, or grilled chicken. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a flavorful finishing touch, and enjoy a lightened-up comfort food that doesn't compromise on taste! Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups Low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup Low-fat milk (or any milk of choice)
- 0.75 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but do not let it brown.
Sprinkle the flour into the saucepan and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until smooth.
Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, whisking occasionally, until it begins to thicken.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce.
Add the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. The sauce should be creamy and light with a hint of lemon flavor.
Serve immediately over cooked pasta, steamed vegetables, or your protein of choice. Garnish with chopped Italian parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
302 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.0 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.6 g | 63% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 57 mg | 19% | |
| Sodium | 1036 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.2 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g | ||
| Protein | 21.3 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 603 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 0.4 mg | 2% | |
| Potassium | 197 mg | 4% | |
*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.
