Herbed Pasta Alfredo
Creamy herbed pasta Alfredo with fresh Parmesan and Romano cheeses, fragrant herbs, and tender seashell macaroni—perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. margarine ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped green onions ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) can evaporated skimmed milk ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated fresh Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/8 c. grated fresh Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole thyme ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried whole basil ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. dried dill weed ⓘ
- 6 c. hot cooked medium seashell macaroni ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped green onions and minced garlic; sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add flour and stir well to combine.
- Gradually add evaporated skimmed milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 3 minutes or until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, dried thyme, dried basil, and dried dill weed.
- Serve the sauce over hot cooked medium seashell macaroni.
- Garnish with extra chopped green onions, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or using a blend of half-and-half. If you want to boost the flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or substituting the green onions with shallots. For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta or zucchini noodles instead of seashell macaroni. This dish is also great with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Herbed Pasta Alfredo with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a slice of crusty Italian bread also pairs beautifully. For a twist, try adding grilled chicken or shrimp to the pasta for additional protein. This dish is a delightful addition to any Italian recipes collection.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Avoid microwaving the dish, as it can cause the sauce to separate.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Herbed Pasta Alfredo contains roughly 362 calories, with 17g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (246% of the Daily Value), iron (115% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value). At about 362 calories per serving, it is a lighter, protein-rich choice.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or fontina for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Mixing in some crumbled feta can also add a nice tanginess to the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Herbed Pasta Alfredo is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those following a meatless diet. You can enhance it by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, heat the sauce gently while cooking the pasta. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).