Fighting the Pandemic with Pasta

I know that pandemic and food don’t seem like the best combination, but I’m here to prove you different. In the midst of a worldwide pandemic, many people are now quarantined in an attempt to slow the spread of the newly discovered virus. You may ask yourself “Why is she writing about a Pandemic in a food blog?”, and the answer, my friend, is very simple: we eat a LOT when we’re confined at home with nothing to do. I constantly find myself walking to the kitchen several times a day, not because I’m hungry, but because I just feel like eating again. This is reasonable, given the circumstances; however, the more we stay at home, the more we eat and, therefore, the more we gain weight.

Today I will share with you a fast, delicious and healthy Skinny Alfredo Pasta recipe that will fulfill your food cravings while keeping your carb consumption on track. For this recipe, you will need:

12 oz.
whole-wheat linguine1 tbsp.
extra-virgin olive oil3
cloves garlic, minced2 tbsp.
all-purpose flour1 c.
low-sodium chicken broth3/4 c.
1% milk1/2 c.
freshly grated Parmesan2 tbsp.
plain Greek yogurt (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
Freshly chopped parsley, for serving

Preparation

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Set aside ½ cup of pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Sprinkle flour over evenly, then stir and cook until mixture is lightly golden.
Very gradually add broth in while whisking, 2 tablespoons at a time, waiting for mixture to become completely smooth before adding more broth. Bring mixture to a boil, then gradually stream in milk while whisking. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove from heat and add Parmesan and yogurt, if using. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add pasta and a 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to sauce and toss to combine. If sauce is too thick add more pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency.
Garnish with parsley before serving.

You can make small changes to the recipe in order to better adapt it to your taste, substituting linguine for penne, or adding a choice of protein, for instance.

I know that this is an unusual recipe when compared to the others I’ve posted before, but don’t let yourself feel intimidated. It seems longer, but in reality this recipe is easy and fast, taking a total of 30 minutes to be made.

Times like this require comfort food, but too much of it may cause discomfort. This Skinny Alfredo Pasta recipe will provide you with the satisfaction of eating GOOD food while respecting your health. Furthermore it will hopefully help you take your mind off this stressful experience we’re all living, even if for a bit. I hope you enjoy every bit of it as much as I did!