Lightened Cajun Alfredo Sauce
Indulge in the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce without the guilt! This lightened version uses low-fat cream cheese and fat-free half-and-half to create a decadent sauce that's both flavorful and comforting. With the addition of Parmesan cheese and a hint of Cajun seasoning, this recipe packs a delicious punch, making it perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that's significantly lower in calories and fat than traditional Alfredo, without sacrificing taste!
N/A
Servings
90
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
low-fat cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
fat-free half-and-half
8 ounces (none)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (grated)
margarine
1/2 cup (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
garlic clove
1 (chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cajun seasoning
to taste (optional)
Instructions
1
Start by melting the margarine in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2
Once melted, add the low-fat cream cheese and stir continuously until it is fully melted and combined with the margarine.
3
Gradually pour in the fat-free half-and-half, whisking to create a smooth mixture.
4
Add the grated Parmesan cheese and continue to whisk until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
5
Stir in the black pepper, salt, and chopped garlic, mixing until everything is thoroughly combined. If desired, add Cajun seasoning at this stage for an extra kick.
6
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together, then remove from heat.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
3.75g
Carbs
2.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lightened Cajun Alfredo Sauce?
It is a creamy, flavorful Alfredo sauce that uses low-fat and fat-free ingredients to reduce calories and fat, enhanced with a kick of Cajun seasoning.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 90 calories.
What are the main ingredients used to lighten this recipe?
This recipe utilizes low-fat cream cheese and fat-free half-and-half instead of traditional heavy cream and full-fat cheese.
How much fat is in this Lightened Cajun Alfredo Sauce?
There are 6 grams of fat per serving.
Is this sauce high in protein?
Each serving provides about 2.25 grams of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
The sauce contains 3.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I start making the sauce?
Begin by melting 1/2 cup of margarine in a medium saucepan over low heat.
When should I add the cream cheese?
Add the softened low-fat cream cheese once the margarine is melted, stirring until fully combined.
What is the best way to incorporate the half-and-half?
Gradually pour in the fat-free half-and-half while whisking to create a smooth, consistent mixture.
What kind of Parmesan cheese should I use?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I season the sauce?
Stir in black pepper, salt, chopped garlic, and Cajun seasoning to taste.
How long does the sauce need to cook?
After combining all ingredients, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use this sauce for things other than pasta?
Yes, it works excellently as a pizza base or as a dip for bread and vegetables.
Is the Cajun seasoning mandatory?
No, the Cajun seasoning is optional and can be adjusted based on your spice preference.
Does the cream cheese need to be prepared specifically?
Yes, the 8 ounces of low-fat cream cheese should be softened before adding it to the pan.
What type of garlic is recommended?
The recipe specifies using one chopped garlic clove.
What heat setting should I use?
The sauce should be prepared over low heat to ensure the cheeses melt properly without burning.
How much margarine is required?
You will need 1/2 cup of margarine for this recipe.
Is there any fiber in this sauce?
According to the nutritional data, there is no significant fiber content in this recipe.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The nutritional information indicates that there is no added sugar in this sauce.
How do I ensure the sauce is smooth?
Whisking continuously while adding the liquid and the Parmesan cheese helps achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly sauce as it contains no meat products.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
What kind of pepper should I use?
It is recommended to use 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Can I add other proteins to this sauce?
While the base recipe is just for the sauce, it pairs very well with grilled chicken or shrimp.
What category of food does this fall under?
It is categorized as a pasta sauce and a healthy comfort food recipe.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 total ingredients, including the optional Cajun seasoning.
Can this sauce be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and gently reheat it, though you may need to add a splash of milk if it thickens too much.
Is this sauce spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the Cajun seasoning and black pepper, but you can control the heat by adjusting the seasoning amount.
What is the serving size for this sauce?
The specific serving size is not listed, but the total calories per serving is 90.