almost alfredo pasta
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This is a quick, creamy bowl of ono for a family with two teenagers. Tasty and plentiful enough to be requested for thermos lunches the following day.
While it does use a full package of parmesan cheese, it also uses non-fat milk, low-sodium vegetable broth, and only a few tablespoons of canola oil. It is great way to use left-over Costco chicken, but you can easily leave out chicken and add mushrooms or broccoli instead. |
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1 box of your favorite pasta--linguine, penne, rotini or farfalle work well
3T canola oil 6T flour 3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 cups non-fat milk 2 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth 1 1/2 cups of grated Parmesan cheese (about 5-6 ounces) 2 bags of baby spinach Black pepper to taste |
Optional add-ins and variations
Cooked chicken, yours or Costco's Fresh sliced mushrooms Swap broccoli in for spinach |
Cook the pasta to just under al dente.
While the water is boiling, heat a big nonstick pan and add oil. When the oil is hot and has some sheeting action, add flour and garlic. Stir until the garlic is only slightly brown. This makes a kind of garlicky base for the creamier elements. DO NOT LET THE GARLIC BURN. This is very important.
Add milk and broth and keep whisking. Bring to just a simmer, and cook until it starts to thicken. Add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
Add spinach or vegetables of your choice; stir until spinach wilts or vegetables are just cooked. Drain pasta. Add pasta and chicken and toss just enough to coat everything. Add pepper to taste.
While the water is boiling, heat a big nonstick pan and add oil. When the oil is hot and has some sheeting action, add flour and garlic. Stir until the garlic is only slightly brown. This makes a kind of garlicky base for the creamier elements. DO NOT LET THE GARLIC BURN. This is very important.
Add milk and broth and keep whisking. Bring to just a simmer, and cook until it starts to thicken. Add cheese, stirring until cheese melts.
Add spinach or vegetables of your choice; stir until spinach wilts or vegetables are just cooked. Drain pasta. Add pasta and chicken and toss just enough to coat everything. Add pepper to taste.
