This creamy Instant Pot Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo delivers all the indulgent flavors you love, but with a lighter twist. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy pasta dish that’s both comforting and figure-friendly at only 405 calories per serving.
The velvety sauce coats each strand perfectly, while smart ingredient swaps help keep the fat content to just 13 grams without sacrificing that classic Alfredo taste. It’s a weeknight dinner miracle that proves healthy and delicious can absolutely go hand in hand.
Ingredients for Creamy Fettuccine Alfredo
- Fettuccine: 8 ounces, broken in half for better cooking in IP
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced fresh for best flavor
- Liquids: 2½ cups low-sodium broth, 1 cup low-fat milk
- Thickeners: 3 teaspoons cornstarch, 1 cup fresh parmesan cheese
- Seasonings: ½ tsp each of onion powder, dried basil, and parsley flakes
- Basics: 1 teaspoon oil, salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in IP, add minced garlic and stir briefly for 10 seconds
- Prepare Base: Add pasta and broth, ensuring noodles are fully submerged
- Pressure Cook: Seal valve and cook on high pressure for 3 minutes
- Natural Release: Let pressure release naturally for 6 minutes, then manual release
- Create Sauce: Mix cornstarch with milk until smooth, add to pot with spices and cheese
- Thicken: Use sauté setting, stirring gently until sauce begins to thicken
- Final Step: Let rest for a few minutes as sauce will continue to thicken while cooling
- Serving: Add extra cheese if desired for preferred consistency
Quick Cooking Tips
This Instant Pot Alfredo is super simple, but a few small details make it extra special! Break the pasta in half before cooking – this helps it cook more evenly in the Instant Pot. When you add the garlic at the start, watch it closely since it can brown quickly. Don’t worry if your sauce seems thin at first – it gets thicker as it cools, like magic!
Easy Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Try these simple swaps:
- Use whole wheat fettuccine for extra fiber
- Swap the parmesan for a mix of Italian cheeses
- Add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein
- Mix in some steamed broccoli or peas
- Use dairy-free milk and vegan cheese for a plant-based version
Serving Ideas
Make your skinny Alfredo extra special! Serve it with:
- A sprinkle of fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan on top
- Garlic bread on the side
- A simple green salad This lighter version of classic Alfredo still feels fancy enough for date night but works just as well for a cozy family dinner!
Storage Tips
Keep your leftover Alfredo fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm it slowly – this keeps the sauce creamy and stops the pasta from drying out. The sauce might look separated after cooling, but just give it a good stir while reheating and it’ll come back together!
Instant Pot Skinny Fettuccine Alfredo
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles broken in half
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2.5 cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1 cup milk skim or 1%
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Add oil to the IP and turn to saute. Once hot add garlic and stir for 10 seconds. Turn IP off.
- Add pasta and chicken broth, making sure the noodles are covered in the liquid.
- Turn valve to sealed and cook on manual (high pressure) for 3 minutes. When the times beeps allow the pressure to naturally release for 6 minutes, before turning the valve to release remaining pressure and open the lid.
- Stir pasta, breaking up any pieces that have stuck together.
- Stir the cornstarch and milk together until smooth. Add to the instant pot, along with the dry spices and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Turn Instant pot to saute setting and stir gently until the sauce just begins to thicken. Turn Instant Pot off.
- The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools, so allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. You can add additional cheese, if needed, to thicken the sauce.
