Creamy Vegetable Alfredo Pasta
Indulge in a delightful and vibrant Creamy Vegetable Alfredo Pasta, a perfect one-pot dish that's both quick and full of flavor! This recipe features a luscious cream cheese and parmesan sauce, paired with your choice of fresh or frozen vegetables. Ideal for busy weeknights, it transforms simple ingredients into a colorful, satisfying meal. Top it off with chopped fresh parsley and ripe tomatoes for an inviting presentation. Enjoy the versatility of this dish by customizing the veggies according to what you have on hand, resulting in a beautiful and delicious pasta primavera that will please everyone at the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 cup (not the canned type)
Butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2% preferred)
Chopped Vegetables
2-3 cups (fresh or frozen, as desired)
Fettuccine
9 ounces (dry)
Fresh Parsley
to taste (chopped, optional)
Dried Parsley
1 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the softened cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, butter, and milk. Stir occasionally until the mixture is melted, smooth, and well blended.
2
If using fresh vegetables, chop your choice of veggies and microwave them in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes until tender. If using frozen vegetables, you can add them directly to the sauce later.
3
While the sauce is heating up, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling salted water.
4
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it along with the microwaved or frozen vegetables from the previously prepared ingredients.
5
Add the drained pasta and vegetables to the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure everything is evenly coated.
6
If using dried parsley, add it to the pasta and sauce and toss to mix. If opting for fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top of the pasta once plated for a burst of color and flavor.
7
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped tomatoes if desired, and enjoy your satisfying meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Vegetable Alfredo Pasta?
It is a quick and flavorful one-pot dish featuring a luscious cream cheese and parmesan sauce paired with fresh or frozen vegetables.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 8 primary ingredients including cream cheese, parmesan, butter, milk, vegetables, fettuccine, and parsley.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish categorized as pasta primavera and comfort food.
Can I use frozen vegetables for this pasta?
Yes, you can use 2-3 cups of either fresh or frozen chopped vegetables.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 9 ounces of dry fettuccine pasta.
How do I prepare fresh vegetables if I use them?
Chop the fresh vegetables and microwave them in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
What is the best type of parmesan cheese to use?
The recipe recommends using 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese that is not the canned variety.
What type of milk should I use for the Alfredo sauce?
Whole or 2% milk is preferred for the best consistency in the sauce.
How much cream cheese is needed?
You will need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese.
Should the butter be salted or unsalted?
The recipe specifies using 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
How do I make the Alfredo sauce?
Combine the cream cheese, parmesan, butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat until melted and smooth.
At what point do I add the vegetables?
Drain the vegetables with the pasta once it is al dente, then add them both to the sauce.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can add 1 teaspoon of dried parsley to the pasta and sauce while tossing.
How should I use fresh parsley for this dish?
If using fresh parsley, sprinkle it on top of the plated pasta for a burst of color.
What garnish is recommended for serving?
The dish can be garnished with freshly chopped tomatoes for a beautiful presentation.
Is this recipe considered a quick dinner?
Yes, it is tagged as a 30-minute meal and an easy recipe for busy weeknights.
What is the preparation for the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened before starting the sauce.
Do I need to boil the vegetables separately?
No, fresh veggies are microwaved and frozen veggies can be added directly to the sauce or drained with the pasta.
How do I cook the fettuccine?
Cook it in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, the dish is versatile and you can use any veggies you have on hand.
What is the consistency of the Alfredo sauce?
The sauce is described as luscious, creamy, and well-blended.
Does the recipe use a one-pot method?
The recipe is described as a perfect one-pot dish, though it involves a saucepan for the sauce and a pot for the pasta.
What heat setting should I use for the sauce?
The sauce should be prepared over medium-low heat.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it is a savory and creamy pasta dish without spicy ingredients.
How many cups of vegetables are required?
The recipe calls for 2 to 3 cups of chopped vegetables.
Can I use whole milk for a richer sauce?
Yes, whole milk is one of the preferred options for this recipe.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to combine cream cheese, parmesan, butter, and milk in a medium saucepan.
Should the pasta be drained before adding the sauce?
Yes, drain the pasta and vegetables before tossing them in the creamy sauce.
How long do I microwave the fresh vegetables?
Microwave them in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes.
Should the dish be served immediately?
Yes, it is best served immediately after the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the sauce.