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Homemade Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo photo

Lightened Up Sun-dried Tomato Fettuccine Alfredo

A lighter creamy fettuccine Alfredo made with sun-dried tomatoes, reduced-fat cheeses, and a flavorful tomato-basil sauce.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz fettuccine noodles
  • 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes oil reserved in jar
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato halves drained and finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • red pepper flakes 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon, or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk low-fat
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil and dried parsley, onion powder, salt (each 1/2 tsp)
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano and black pepper (each 1/4 tsp)
  • 2 oz reduced-fat cream cheese ⅓ less fat, cubed
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella
  • freshly grated Parmesan for garnish
  • fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions; drain and keep warm.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar in a large skillet over medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to form a roux.
  5. Reduce heat to low and pour in the chicken broth, stirring to combine.
  6. Whisk the cornstarch into the milk until smooth, then add it to the skillet along with tomato paste, dried basil, dried parsley, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
  7. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  8. Lower the heat to low and stir in the cubed reduced-fat cream cheese until melted, then add the freshly grated Parmesan and stir until smooth.
  9. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir until melted, then toss in the cooked fettuccine until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as desired, then serve topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh basil if using.

Notes

  • Use oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for extra flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh for best melting and flavor.
  • Stir constantly when adding flour to avoid lumps.