Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli and Asparagus

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This year I’m trying to make more quick and easy weeknight meals.   I find that often times easy meals aren’t always the healthiest meals so I’ve set out to find easy and healthier meals.  Since my favorite meals involve pasta I started there.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli and Asparagus

I love fettuccine alfredo but it is so full of fat and calories.   So I found a recipe from Cooking Light that makes a lighter version of Alfredo sauce.  I added in broccoli and asparagus to give the pasta some color and add some healthy vegetables to it.

Broccoli and Asparagus with Fettuccine Alfredo

Despite the fact that this sauce is made with fat free milk, low fat cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese, it tastes creamy and delicious!   The broccoli and asparagus add a lot of flavor to the Alfredo.   It is a surprisingly tasty pasta dish that’s ready in about 20 minutes.

Fettuccine Alfredo with Asparagus and Broccoli

Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli and Asparagus

Fettuccine Alfredo with Broccoli and Asparagus

Yield: Serves 4
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

A lightened up version of Fettuccine Alfredo topped with asparagus and broccoli.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. fettuccine
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1/2 lb. fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces
  • 1/2 lb. broccoli florets
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 Tablespoon butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese
  • 1/4 c. fat free milk
  • 1/4 c. Parmesan Cheese
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and keep warm.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the asparagus, broccoli, salt, and pepper.
  3. Saute the vegetables for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and add lemon juice. Toss to coat.
  4. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Add in the cream cheese and stir until smooth. Stir in the milk, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and reserved pasta water.
  6. Add the Alfredo sauce to the broccoli and asparagus in the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes then add warm pasta. Toss to coat.

Notes

Adapted from Cooking Light


Homemade Alfredo Sauce with Fettuccine, Broccoli, and Asparagus

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