Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta! It’s a creamy, dreamy twist on the classic Alfredo that keeps the indulgence but lightens it up with Greek yogurt. Trust me, it’s a game changer! I love how quick and easy it is to whip up, perfect for those busy evenings. Plus, you get all that rich, cheesy flavor without the guilt, making it a family favorite. Every time I make this dish, the whole house fills with that comforting pasta aroma, and I can’t wait to dig in. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta – I love using fettuccine for its lovely, flat shape that holds onto the sauce perfectly.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt – This is the star of the show! It gives the sauce its creamy texture while packing in protein.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Make sure to use freshly grated for the best flavor! It melts beautifully into the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch. You can adjust the amount if you’re a garlic lover like me!
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth – This helps to loosen the sauce. Use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter touch.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t forget to season! A little sprinkle of salt and pepper elevates the flavors.
- Parsley for garnish – A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish before serving.
How to Prepare Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta! It’s such a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together.
Cook the Fettuccine Pasta
First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want it nice and salty—like the ocean! Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until it’s al dente. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick together. Once it’s done, reserve a little pasta water and then drain the rest. Trust me, the pasta water can help if your sauce needs a little loosening up later!
Sauté the Garlic
In a medium saucepan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant but not browned. You’ve got to keep an eye on it because burnt garlic can ruin your sauce. Just wait until it’s golden and aromatic!
Make the Alfredo Sauce
Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your Greek yogurt and grated Parmesan cheese. This is where the magic happens! Mix until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly stir in the chicken or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Yum!
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Next, add the cooked fettuccine directly into the sauce, tossing gently to coat every strand. If you find the sauce is too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. You want every bite to be creamy and delicious!
Garnish and Serve
Finally, plate up your pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a beautiful touch. It’s ready to serve! I love to pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. Enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To really nail this Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, if you want a creamier sauce, feel free to add a little more Greek yogurt or broth until you hit that perfect consistency. Sometimes, a splash of the reserved pasta water can work wonders if things feel too thick. Also, don’t hesitate to get creative! Swap the Parmesan for a different cheese like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or try adding in some sautéed veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Lastly, always taste as you go and adjust the seasonings to suit your palate!
Nutritional Information
This Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta is not only delicious but also a wholesome choice! Each serving (1 cup) is estimated to have around 300 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 40g of carbohydrates. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy creamy pasta without the guilt, making it perfect for a healthy meal! Remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients used.
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love fettuccine for its ability to capture that creamy sauce, you can use any pasta you prefer. Penne, spaghetti, or even whole wheat options work beautifully. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds up well when mixed with that luscious Greek yogurt Alfredo sauce!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta is fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a batch ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep the pasta and sauce in separate containers to prevent the pasta from getting soggy. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture!
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For sure! To make this dish dairy-free, simply swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative, like almond or coconut yogurt. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will vary slightly, but it’ll still be delicious! You might want to add a touch more seasoning to enhance the flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier alternative: Greek yogurt replaces heavy cream, giving you that creamy texture without the extra calories.
- Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, cheesy flavor: You still get all the deliciousness of traditional Alfredo with a delightful twist.
- High in protein: Thanks to the Greek yogurt and Parmesan, it’s a satisfying dish that keeps you full.
- Customizable: Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or swap cheeses to suit your taste!
- Kid-friendly: This creamy pasta is sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making it a family favorite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this delicious Greek yogurt Alfredo pasta (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently. If it looks a bit thick, don’t worry! Just add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth to loosen it up and restore that creamy texture. It’s just as tasty the next day!
For more information on the health benefits of Greek yogurt, check out this Healthline article.
Print
Greek Yogurt Alfredo Pasta: A Quick, Creamy Delight!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A creamy and healthy twist on traditional Alfredo pasta using Greek yogurt.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan and simmer.
- Remove from heat and stir in Greek yogurt and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Mix the sauce with the cooked pasta.
- Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce with more broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: greek yogurt alfredo pasta
