Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
Craving creamy, indulgent fettuccine alfredo but want a lighter, healthier version?
This Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is the perfect solution!
With a rich, cheesy sauce that’s full of flavor, it’s ready in just 25 minutes.
Quick, easy, and satisfying, this dish will become your new favorite weeknight meal!
For Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
- Fettuccine Noodles – Broken in half, this is the base of the dish.
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the garlic and bring out its flavor.
- Garlic – Minced, this adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste for a balanced flavor.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – The liquid that will cook the pasta and form the base of the sauce.
- Skim or 1% Milk – Adds creaminess to the sauce without the calories of heavy cream.
- Cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency.
- Onion Powder – Adds a mild, sweet flavor to enhance the sauce.
- Dried Basil – A touch of Italian herb to deepen the flavor.
- Dried Parsley Flakes – For a hint of freshness and color in the sauce.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese – The star ingredient for that rich, cheesy finish.

Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
This lighter version of Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is rich, creamy, and satisfying, but with fewer calories than the traditional version. It’s a quick and easy recipe that will become a favorite!
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Servings: 4
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Ingredients:
- 8 ounces fettuccine noodles, broken in half
- 1 teaspoon oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup skim or 1% milk
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Sauté garlic: Set your Instant Pot to the "sauté" setting and heat the oil. Once hot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 10 seconds. Turn off the Instant Pot.
- Cook the pasta: Add the fettuccine noodles and chicken broth to the Instant Pot. Ensure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid. Close the lid and set the valve to "sealing." Cook on manual (high pressure) for 3 minutes.
- Release pressure: When the timer goes off, allow the pressure to naturally release for 6 minutes. Afterward, carefully turn the valve to release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
- Break up pasta: Stir the pasta, breaking apart any pieces that may have stuck together.
- Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth. Add the mixture to the Instant Pot, along with the onion powder, basil, parsley, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Thicken the sauce: Set the Instant Pot to "sauté" and gently stir until the sauce begins to thicken. Turn off the Instant Pot. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. You can add extra cheese if you prefer a thicker sauce.
Notes:
- No Instant Pot? You can easily make this on the stovetop with a single pan by following a stovetop version of the recipe.
- Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional, you can use penne, rigatoni, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid and cook it properly in the Instant Pot. - Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can skip the heavy cream and use skim or 1% milk for a lighter option. If you prefer a richer sauce, you can also use evaporated milk or a little extra butter for a creamy texture. - How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
To keep the pasta from sticking, break it in half and ensure it’s evenly spread out in the Instant Pot. Once cooked, give it a quick stir to break up any clumps, and the sauce will help coat it nicely. - Can I add veggies to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in steamed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas after cooking. For an extra boost of flavor, you can even sauté the veggies with garlic in a separate pan before adding them in. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe, but be sure your Instant Pot is large enough. The cooking time remains the same, but make sure all the ingredients are well-submerged in the liquid.