Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Alfredo Sauce Recipe Without Heavy Cream Emerald Spinach Swirl 1760550895.8579268

alfredo sauce recipe without heavy cream Emerald Spinach Swirl

  • Author: Liana Brooks
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
  • Diet: General

Description

This recipe offers a lighter take on traditional alfredo sauce, substituting heavy cream with milk and broth, and features a vibrant spinach swirl for added color and nutrients. It’s a satisfying, family-friendly weeknight meal that’s creamy and flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1.5 cups 2% or whole milk (or oat milk/unsweetened almond milk)
  • 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • Pinch nutmeg
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups lightly packed baby leaf fresh spinach (or thawed, squeezed frozen spinach)
  • 1 pound pasta, cooked

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Build the Roux: Whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a pale golden color and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Create the Creamy Base: Gradually whisk in 1.5 cups of milk and 0.5 cup of chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon. Whisk vigorously if lumps appear.
  4. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Remove from heat. Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a pinch of nutmeg, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  5. The Emerald Swirl: Add 2 cups of baby leaf fresh spinach to the warm sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down and becomes a vibrant emerald green color (1-2 minutes).
  6. Serve: Immediately toss the Emerald Spinach Swirl alfredo sauce with about 1 pound of your favorite cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne. Serve hot.

Notes

Garlic burns quickly so watch carefully. If the sauce looks lumpy, keep whisking vigorously over the heat to smooth it out. This recipe is also great for meal prep. For dietary adjustments, consider oat milk or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free, a gluten-free all-purpose blend for gluten-free, nutritional yeast for dairy-free cheese, or kale/Swiss chard for spinach substitutions. Frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed) also works and is budget-friendly.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups (360g)
  • Calories: 450 calories
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 18 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg

Keywords: alfredo sauce, heavy cream free, spinach, easy dinner, weeknight meal, creamy pasta, healthy, family-friendly, lighter alfredo

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://easydashrecipes.com/alfredo-sauce-recipe-without-heavy-cream-emerald-spinach-swirl/