Healthy Red Pepper Alfredo
This Healthy Alfredo Sauce is everything you want in comfort food, it is cheesy, creamy, and spicy—all the taste of regular Alfredo, with fewer calories!
Servings: 6
Calories: 476kcal
Ingredients
- 6 red peppers halved, with all the seeds and membrane removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 white onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 cup half and half
- 1/4 cup low fat cream cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon basil minced
- Salt and red pepper flakes to taste
- 1 pound pasta cooked
- Fresh basil and parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Turn oven on to broil.
- Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the red pepper halves on the sheet, inside facing down.
- Broil for 10-15 minutes, until outside skin is blackened.
- Remove peppers from baking sheet and place in a gallon-sized ziplock bag for 10 minutes, seal.
- While peppers are steaming, in a large skillet cook the onion in the olive oil until onions are soft.
- Remove peppers from bag, peel off the skin (it should come off easily with your fingers), and chop the peppers.
- Add the peppers and garlic to the onion.
- Place mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Melt the butter in the same skillet and then add the blended mixture.
- Add broth, milk, half and half, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and combined.
- Let simmer until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add parmesan cheese, basil, salt and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined.
- Serve sauce over cooked pasta and garnish with fresh basil and parmesan cheese.
Notes
Red peppers are high in vitamin C and potassium, if you are looking for a boost in fiber and calcium, try adding vegetables like broccoli and asparagus to your dish. And for another bit of green, try garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley!
Storage:
Your homemade Alfredo sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and reheated in the microwave.
Nutrition
Calories: 476kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 28mg | Sodium: 370mg | Potassium: 535mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 4024IU | Vitamin C: 156mg | Calcium: 168mg | Iron: 2mg