Chef Jason Hill shares this recipe for low fat Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce in this episode of "Chef Tips." One of our favorite healthy recipes for pasta sauce, this recipe uses cauliflower puree as the base, cutting down on the fat and calories. Instead of loading up on butter and cream, you use mashed cauliflower to thicken and flavor the sauce. It's a great way to sneak vegetables into your family's meal plan, and our kids cannot taste the difference! Honest! Cauliflower recipes are rich in nutrients and anti-cancer properties, so you can't go wrong.
1 1/2cupschicken or vegetable brothheated (up to 2 cups)
2tablespoonminced Italian parsleyfor garnish
Optional additions:
Sauteed sliced mushrooms
Grilled chicken slices
Parmesan tuiles
Instructions
Wash cauliflower and cut off the florets, discarding the main stem.
Boil cauliflower florets in rapidly boiling water for about 20 minutes, or until extremely soft. Drain and set aside.
While the cauliflower is boiling, make the alfredo sauce.
Heat your sauce pot over medium heat. Add the butter, and melt down.
Next, add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes and garlic-shallot puree.
Whisk in 1/2 cup cream. Bring to a simmer for about 1 minute, then add the grated parmesan cheese.
Turn off heat and set aside.
Place the drained cauliflower florets in a food processor. Add cream mixture and puree for a couple minutes.
To thin out the sauce, add 1 1/2 cups of warmed chicken broth (or vegetable broth). You thin out the sauce more to your liking with another 1/2 cup of broth.
Season to your taste with white pepper and salt.
To serve, toss the sauce with fresh cooked and drained fettucine. Use whole wheat pasta for an even healthier version.
Top with minced Italian parsley and serve. For an extra treat, top the pasta with grilled chicken and a parmesan tuile.