Healthier Pasta Alfredo
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 316kcal
You will be AMAZED how thick, creamy and indulgent this sauce feels while being largely dairy-free, completely gluten-free, and packed with healthy ingredients. Here I added a bag of thawed frozen broccoli florets and some riced cauliflower for an extra veggie punch. Use a gluten-free noodle and you have a hearty, comforting and healthier dinner that is a total crowd-pleaser.
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Ingredients
- 1 + package frozen vegetables such as broccoli florets, rice cauliflower, or vegetable medley
- 1 8 oz package banza chickpea pasta (I like penne for this recipe) or other gluten-free pasta
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour such as Bob's Red Mill 1-to-1
- 1 3/4 cups plain coconut milk such as So Delicious or other milk alternative (alternately you can use skim or 1% dairy milk)
- 2 tbsp dairy-free cream cheese such as kite hill; alternately you can use regular dairy cream cheese
- 2/3 cup grated parmesan cheese plus extra if sauce needs thickening (2/3 - 3/4 cup total)
Instructions
- Thaw your frozen vegetables in a colander in the sink. For this recipe we used one package frozen broccoli florets; and half package frozen riced cauliflower
- Just prior to beginning your cook time, place semi-thawed veggies in a microwave safe bowl and microwave 2-3 minutes to bring to room temp
- Heat water for pasta in large pot on the stove. Salt water amply. Cook pasta according to package directions, about 8 minutes; then drain, and rinse briefly. Start your sauce below just prior to adding pasta to the water, as they will come together at the same time this way.
- Heat olive oil in large saute pan. Add garlic and saute until slightly translucent and aromatic, about 2-3 minutes
- Add flour and use spatula to combine. Cook about 1 minute
- Begin adding milk, about 1/3 cup at a time, using a whisk to stir constantly in between and bring milk to a slow simmer (tiny bubbles throughout but not boiling). Burner heat should be on medium, though you may need to turn to medium-low if mixture gets too hot
- Continue adding milk slowly, whisking in between and then letting come to simmer. Once all milk is added, add your 2 tbsp cream cheese and stir to combine. Heat through
- Add in your grated parmesan cheese and stir. Sauce should noticeably thicken at this point
- Once sauce is thickened, season if desired with salt and garlic powder and add your veggies. Stir to combine and add in your pasta. Heat through and serve
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 316kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 13g