Low-Fat Fettuccini
A light and creamy vegetarian pasta dish featuring fettuccini coated in a lemon-parsley sauce with Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend flour and margarine in a saucepan.
- Cook for several minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in milk and cook until thickened, stirring constantly.
- Add lemon juice, chopped parsley, black pepper, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Stir until well blended.
- Serve over cooked fettuccini.
- Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
To thicken the sauce more quickly, whisk the flour and margarine vigorously before adding the milk. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with cornstarch. If you're looking to boost flavor, consider adding garlic powder or a pinch of nutmeg. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish; try basil or oregano as alternatives to parsley. This dish pairs beautifully with Low-Fat Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Low-Fat Fettuccini with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal. For added flavor, sprinkle extra black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This dish is also excellent with crusty bread or paired with Italian recipes like Baked Manicotti for a hearty dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of skim milk when warming in a saucepan over low heat to maintain the creaminess. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently, to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Low-Fat Fettuccini contains roughly 155 calories, with 8g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of protein (17% of the Daily Value), iron (17% of the Daily Value), and calcium (17% of the Daily Value).
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 make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the skim milk with a dairy-free alternative such as almond milk or oat milk. Additionally, replace the Parmesan cheese with a vegan cheese option or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How can I add protein to this dish?
To add protein, consider mixing in cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. You can also serve the fettuccini alongside grilled chicken or a protein-rich salad to make the meal more substantial without compromising on the low-fat aspect.
What can I use instead of fettuccini?
If you don't have fettuccini on hand, any pasta type will work well, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. Spaghetti or penne are great alternatives that will still complement the sauce nicely. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
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).