Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo (Creamy, Light & Ready in 25 Minutes!)
If you’re craving classic comfort food without the guilt, this Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo is about to become your new weeknight hero. It has all the creamy richness of traditional Alfredo sauce, but without heavy cream, excess butter, or unnecessary calories. Instead, this lighter version uses skim milk, parmesan, and a touch of cornstarch to achieve that velvety, restaurant-worthy texture while keeping things balanced and nutritious.
The best part? Everything cooks in one pot, and it’s ready in just 25 minutes. That means less cleanup, less stress, and more deliciousness at the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal prepping for busy days, or simply craving something creamy and satisfying, this healthier Instant Pot Alfredo is the perfect solution. And if you love cozy, creamy dishes, make sure to check out my Sweet Corn Risotto as well.
Why You’ll Love This Skinny Instant Pot Alfredo
- Healthier, lighter version of the classic without sacrificing flavor
- One-pot meal easy cleanup and quick cooking
- Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, yet light enough for everyday meals
- Customizable with veggies, proteins, or different pasta shapes
- Ready in under 30 minutes perfect for weeknights
This recipe gives you all the comfort of traditional Alfredo but with smart ingredient swaps that make it lighter, fresher, and still incredibly satisfying.
Why This Version Is “Skinny”
Traditional fettuccine Alfredo uses heavy cream, butter, and tons of cheese. This healthier instant pot version is lighter because it uses:
- Skim or 1% milk instead of heavy cream
- Cornstarch instead of a full-fat roux
- Just enough parmesan for flavor without going overboard
- Broth as the main cooking liquid instead of cream
You still get a creamy, indulgent texture just without all the calories.
Make It a Full Meal
Pair your Skinny Instant Pot Alfredo with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- Steamed veggies
- Lemon herb chicken
- Grilled shrimp
It also reheats well, making it an excellent meal-prep option.
Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo
Notes
- 8 oz fettuccine noodles, broken in half
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt & 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
- Set the Instant Pot to Sauté, add the olive oil, and heat it for a minute.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 10 seconds just long enough to release flavor.
- Then turn off the sauté function to prevent burning.
- Add the fettuccine noodles and pour in the broth. Make sure all the pasta is submerged this helps it cook evenly.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to Sealing, and cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes.
- When the time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 6 minutes, then carefully open the valve to release any remaining steam.
- Stir well to break apart any noodles that may have stuck together.
- skim or 1% milk
- cornstarch
- parmesan
- dried basil
- dried parsley
- onion powder
- salt & pepper
- Turn on Sauté again and cook until the sauce begins to thicken. It usually takes only 2–3 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- At this point, you can add extra parmesan if you prefer a richer, thicker sauce.
- Use freshly grated parmesan it melts better than pre-shredded
- Break the pasta in half so it cooks evenly
- Avoid overheating milk adding it after pressure cooking prevents curdling
- Let the sauce rest it thickens beautifully as it cools
- Stir gently to avoid breaking the pasta too much
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Spinach
- Peas
- Roasted tomatoes
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp
- Turkey meatballs
- Crispy bacon or pancetta (for a not-so-skinny version!)
- penne
- linguine
- rotini
- rigatoni
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Any pasta works as long as it’s fully submerged in the broth. Cooking time usually stays the same for similar-sized pasta.
Can I make it without heavy cream?
Absolutely. This recipe is specifically designed to be made without heavy cream. Skim or 1% milk creates plenty of creaminess when mixed with cornstarch and parmesan.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Break the fettuccine in half and stir gently after cooking. The sauce will help separate any noodles that cling together.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or even cauliflower make great additions. Mix them in after cooking so they stay tender and bright.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes but make sure your Instant Pot is large enough, and the pasta is fully submerged. The cooking time stays exactly the same.
Conclusion
This Skinny Instant Pot Fettuccine Alfredo proves you don’t need heavy cream or butter to enjoy a rich, comforting pasta dinner. With just a handful of ingredients and a single pot, you can make a creamy, cheesy, flavorful Alfredo in under 30 minutes perfect for busy nights or when you simply want something cozy and satisfying. Whether you customize it with vegetables, add protein, or enjoy it as-is, this lighter Alfredo recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
