Light Whole Wheat Pasta with Creamy White Cheese Sauce
Indulge in comfort and nourishment with this Light Whole Wheat Pasta with Creamy White Cheese Sauce, a quick and flavorful recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring wholesome whole wheat pasta tossed in a velvety, lightened-up cheese sauce made with low-fat milk, Parmesan, and mozzarella, this dish delivers the rich creaminess you crave without overindulging. A hint of garlic sautéed in olive oil and butter adds aromatic depth, while fresh parsley offers a vibrant finishing touch. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy pasta recipe is a satisfying option for those seeking a healthier take on classic cheesy pasta. Serve it as a standalone meal or pair it with a crisp green salad for a balanced, family-friendly dinner!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Whole wheat pasta
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 cloves Minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2
In a large skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the olive oil and minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Step 3
Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1 minute to create a smooth roux.
Step 4
Gradually pour in the low-fat milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5
Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and combined. Season the sauce with salt and ground black pepper.
Step 6
If the sauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta cooking water to reach the desired consistency.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy white cheese sauce.
Step 8
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the light whole wheat pasta warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1081.0g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1741.6 |
| Total Fat 98.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 52.8g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.3g | |
| Cholesterol 260.7mg | 0% |
| Sodium 3683.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 130.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 15.9g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 25.2g | |
| Protein 96.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 201.6IU | 0% |
| Calcium 2350.5mg | 0% |
| Iron 5.4mg | 0% |
| Potassium 598.4mg | 0% |
Source of Calories