Light Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this quick and easy recipe for *Light Pasta and Cheese Sauce*, a deliciously creamy yet guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Featuring tender pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce made with low-fat milk, sharp cheddar, and savory Parmesan, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and lightness. A hint of garlic and onion powders adds depth of flavor, while a golden roux ensures the sauce is silky smooth. Ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights, this pasta pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed veggies for a complete, wholesome meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for an elegant finishing touch, and savor every bite of this easy-to-make family favorite! Keywords: light pasta, cheese sauce, creamy pasta recipe, easy weeknight meals, low-fat pasta dishes.
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Ingredients
- 250 grams pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until it turns light golden and has a nutty aroma.
Step 3
Gradually add the low-fat milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted, forming a smooth sauce.
Step 5
Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6
Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 7
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (933.5g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1440.8 |
| Total Fat 85.2g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 52.7g | 0% |
| Cholesterol 261.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2835.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 102.5g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 24.1g | |
| Protein 74.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 201.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 1884.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 3.0mg | 0% |
| Potassium 118.6mg | 0% |
Source of Calories