There’s nothing quite like a big bowl of creamy pasta, and this Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo is dream-worthy in every sense—except you get all the lusciousness without the heaviness. Using simple, clever swaps, we keep this dish indulgently satisfying yet refreshingly lower in calories. If you love silky, garlicky Alfredo sauce but want to enjoy it more often, this recipe might quickly become your weeknight go-to!

Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo is that its magic comes together with a handful of familiar ingredients. Every item on this list has a delicious role to play, from building flavor to achieving that classic Alfredo creaminess in a lighter, friendlier package.

Fettuccine pasta: Classic, broad noodles soak up the silky sauce beautifully—don’t substitute if you want the true Alfredo experience.
Olive oil: Just a touch adds richness and helps sauté the garlic for a flavorful foundation.
Fresh garlic: Minced cloves provide that signature, aromatic Italian depth—don’t skimp on the garlic!
All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening our sauce without heavy cream.
Low-fat milk (2% or skim): This keeps the sauce luxurious but far lighter than traditional recipes.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds a subtle savory note and helps create a lighter consistency; use veggie broth for a vegetarian twist.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty flavor is absolutely non-negotiable for that Alfredo magic.
Plain Greek yogurt: Here’s the secret ingredient for extra creaminess and a protein boost—without all the fat!
Salt and pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning the finished sauce to your taste.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top brightens the dish with color and freshness.

How to Make Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to boil. Toss in your fettuccine and let it cook until al dente, following package directions. Before draining, reserve a half cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s the key to a perfectly silky sauce if you need to thin things out later. Drain your noodles and set them aside while you move on to the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let its aroma fill your kitchen, sautéing for just a minute or two. Keep a close eye here—garlic can go from golden to bitter if you look away!

Step 3: Make the Roux

Sprinkle the flour over the fragrant garlic and whisk constantly for about a minute. This quick stir will help the flour cook out its raw taste and set up the perfect, smooth thickener for your sauce.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the low-fat milk and chicken broth, whisking as you go to keep things smooth. Continue cooking for several minutes, letting the sauce gently bubble and thicken. This is when Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo starts to look (and smell!) like the real deal, even without heavy cream.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Yogurt

Take the skillet off the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese and Greek yogurt. Everything should melt together into a glossy, creamy sauce. This step is where the transformation happens—the Greek yogurt blends in seamlessly, giving you richness for a fraction of the calories.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add your cooked fettuccine directly to the skillet, tossing gently to coat each noodle. If your sauce feels a bit thick, drizzle in some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it clings just right. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, then serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you’d like.

How to Serve Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo

Garnishes

Nothing elevates a plate of Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo like a shower of vibrant chopped parsley, a dusting of extra Parmesan, and a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper. These little touches add freshness, color, and just the right finishing flair, making the dish feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Pair this dreamy pasta with steamed or roasted veggies—think broccoli, asparagus, or peas—for a balanced meal. A crisp salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a slice of crusty bread (great for swiping up extra sauce!) rounds things out beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by twirling the fettuccine into neat nests on each plate, or serve smaller portions in ramekins for an appetizer or party side. For family-style, pile the Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo in a warm serving bowl and let everyone help themselves—an instant crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but it remains creamy with the right reheating tricks.

Freezing

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled portions for up to one month. The texture may change slightly upon thawing, but a gentle reheat with a little extra milk brings it right back to its creamy best.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer the pasta to a saucepan with a splash of milk. Warm over low heat, stirring gently, until everything is heated through and smooth again. This method helps revive that dreamy sauce without splitting or drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic, you can easily swap in linguine, spaghetti, or even a gluten-free alternative. Just remember, the sauce works best with long noodles that can hold onto all that creamy goodness.

Is there a vegetarian option for Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo?

Yes—simply substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth. You’ll still get fantastic flavor, and it makes this dish totally vegetarian-friendly.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can experiment with plant-based milk, dairy-free yogurt, and vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free version. The sauce might be a little different in texture, but it’s still completely delicious.

What proteins or veggies go well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, mushrooms, spinach, or peas all pair wonderfully with the light, silky sauce. Mix and match based on what you love (or what’s in your fridge)!

What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

You can use low-fat sour cream or plain regular yogurt instead, though the sauce might be slightly less thick. Greek yogurt adds extra protein and a touch of tang, but this recipe is flexible.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for comfort food that won’t weigh you down, this Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo should absolutely be on your menu. Warm, comforting, and so easy to make, it proves you really can have the best of both worlds—so creamy, so flavorful, yet so refreshingly light. I can’t wait for you to dig in and discover your new favorite pasta night classic!

Lightened Up Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a lighter take on the classic Fettuccine Alfredo with this creamy and flavorful recipe. Made with Greek yogurt and low-fat milk, this dish is a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Fettuccine Alfredo:

12 ounces fettuccine
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced

Alfredo Sauce:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1¾ cups low-fat milk (2% or skim)
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Fettuccine: Boil salted water and cook fettuccine as per package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: Sauté garlic in olive oil. Add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and broth. Cook until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan and Greek yogurt until creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked fettuccine in the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.