Rigatoni Alfredo with Broccoli {Light Done Right}

On March 30, 2011

Alfredo has got to be one of the most simple pasta sauces to make, that packs so much flavor, but it also packs…you know…the calories and the fat. I have found a great way to drastically cut the fat and calories from this dish but keep all of the taste. Hard to do I know, but trust me…I’m not lying!!!

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I know you don’t believe me yet, but even my husband couldn’t tell the difference. I had to tell him my secret ingredients and he could not believe it. What’s the secret? Laughing Cow cheese triangles. Yep. You know those delightful little swiss snacks that you always eat with your crackers. And if you use the light triangles, they each only have 35 calories. Can’t beat it. Try it, let me know what you think and see if this passes the test with your family.

Rigatoni Alfredo with Broccoli

(Lightened Up)

Printable Recipe

4 servings rigatoni pasta (or your favorite noodle)

1 Tablespoon margarine

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 cup nonfat milk

2 wedges of laughing cow light cheese (secret ingredient!)

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 cup broccoli florets

Steam broccoli and set aside. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pot. In a saucepan melt margarine, whisk in cornstarch and slowly add milk over medium heat until lightly thickened. Add laughing cow cheese and cook until melted. Add broccoli to the pot with the pasta and toss. Pour sauce over noodles and thoroughly combine. Add parmesan cheese, salt and pepper, nutmeg to taste. Toss and thicken more. Serve immediately.

So what’s the nutritional change? It depends on the type of pasta you are using, but typically one serving of pasta will set you back 200 calories. This sauce (including the broccoli) is only 320 calories and 14 g fat. But divide by 4…

Sauce Calories: 80 | Fat 3.5

Including Pasta: 280 calories | 4 g Fat

This recipe linked to: Full Plate Thursdays, Potluck Fridays, This Week’s Cravings, Recipe Swap Sundays