Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce Ww
Indulge in the creamy decadence of Penne in Creamy Garlic Cheese Sauce—a delightful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. This recipe combines tender penne pasta with a luxurious garlic-infused cheese sauce made with reduced-fat cream cheese, Parmesan, and low-fat milk, striking the perfect balance between richness and lightness. A touch of minced garlic sautéed in butter and a simple roux create a velvety base, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is a comforting yet guilt-conscious twist on classic Alfredo. Serve it garnished with extra Parmesan for an irresistible, restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 4 oz reduced-fat cream cheese
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually pour in the low-fat milk while whisking to combine. Continue to cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional grated Parmesan cheese and parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2290 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.7 g | 105% | |
| Saturated Fat | 46.4 g | 232% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 242 mg | 81% | |
| Sodium | 3200 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 298.0 g | 108% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.5 g | 48% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.9 g | ||
| Protein | 102.6 g | 205% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.4 mcg | 27% | |
| Calcium | 1701 mg | 131% | |
| Iron | 14.2 mg | 79% | |
| Potassium | 1120 mg | 24% | |
*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.
