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5.0 from 12 votes

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!

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 476 kcal
Course: Main Course , Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

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

    Cup of Yum
  1. Turn oven on to broil.
  2. Cover a baking sheet with foil and place the red pepper halves on the sheet, inside facing down.
  3. Broil for 10-15 minutes, until outside skin is blackened.
  4. Remove peppers from baking sheet and place in a gallon-sized ziplock bag for 10 minutes, seal.
  5. While peppers are steaming, in a large skillet cook the onion in the olive oil until onions are soft.
  6. Remove peppers from bag, peel off the skin (it should come off easily with your fingers), and chop the peppers.
  7. Add the peppers and garlic to the onion.
  8. Place mixture into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  9. Melt the butter in the same skillet and then add the blended mixture.
  10. Add broth, milk, half and half, and cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and combined.
  11. Let simmer until the mixture thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
  12. Add parmesan cheese, basil, salt and red pepper flakes. Whisk until combined.
  13. 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 Information

Calories 476kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 67g (22%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 16g (25%) Saturated Fat 7g (35%) Cholesterol 28mg (9%) Sodium 370mg (15%) Potassium 535mg (15%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 9g (18%) Vitamin A 4024IU (80%) Vitamin C 156mg (173%) Calcium 168mg (17%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 476

% Daily Value*

Calories 476kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 67g 22%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 7g 35%
Cholesterol 28mg 9%
Sodium 370mg 15%
Potassium 535mg 11%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 9g 18%
Vitamin A 4024IU 80%
Vitamin C 156mg 173%
Calcium 168mg 17%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.