Spicy Cilantro Alfredo Pasta
A spicy life is a more exciting life, am I right? Who wants to lead a bland, salt and pepper existence when your life could be doused in chili, tabasco, habernos and red pepper? Why would you want just regular alfredo when you could have a spicy cilantro alfredo pasta instead?
I think it’s because I was recently in Mexico, eating every jalapeno, shrimp, bundle of cilantro and haberno I could get my grubby little hands on, that I’ve recently been craving spice. In almost every single dish I’ve made, there’s been spice. It’s almost to the point I can’t eat something unless it slightly burns my tongue. Yes, I’m 100% aware of how creepy that sounds.
I can’t help it though, I crave all things spice! And not even just in my cooking or eating, but in my real life too. All of my clothes are vibrant, speckled with bright colors and shapes. I’m taking bigger risks and chances. I’m going on trips I would have NEVER considered a few months ago. I’m wearing crazier make-up and dying my hair funky shades of red. I’m the human version of this spicy cilantro alfredo pasta, really. I was once a boring plate of noodles and now I’m spicy, sassy and I’ll probably burn your tongue.
I’ll let that marinade in your head for a second. I know a lot of people who don’t like cilantro. And to that I just have to shutter but pretend like I accept your decision. Hands down, this is my favorite fresh herb. In the entire world.
It’s what for dinner. And it’s what really balances the spiciness of the haberno, jalapeno and chili powder in this alfredo. It also gives the sauce such an added depth of flavor. You could omit it if you absolutely CAN’T stand cilantro, but I can’t make any promises that it’ll be as good. I’m just being honest. Even though this dish is a little heavier than my normal pasta dishes, one heaping serving only has 10 WW points, which is 4 less than Weight Watchers own recipe!
If your life is a little blah, a little drab, a little boring, add this spicy cilantro alfredo pasta to your menu. THIS WEEK. Before you know it you’ll be dying your hair purple, wearing neon green pants and jumping out of airplanes.
Spicy Cilantro Alfredo Pasta
CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!
Serves about 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
For the sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup light cream
- About 3/4 cup skim milk
- 4 ounces soft goat cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded parmesan
- 1 jalapeno, cut in half and seeded
- 2 habernos, cut in half and seeded
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- About 2/3 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Directions:
- Preheat oven to broil. Place jalapeno, habernos and yellow pepper in an oven safe baking dish coated with cooking spray. Broil for about 5 – 8 minutes, or until soft and slightly blackened. Remove from the oven and place in a food processor. Pulse on low with one tablespoon of lemon juice until pureed. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al-dente, about 8 minutes. Rinse and set aside.
- To make the sauce, melt butter in a 3-quart pan over medium heat. Add flour and stir in to create a roux. Add in the light cream and the light milk, 1/4 cup at a time, whisking after each addition. Stirring constantly, heat until mixture is thick (enough to coat the back of a spoon). Remove from heat and stir in goat cheese and parmesan cheese. Once cheese is fully melted, stir in chopped cilantro, chili powder and pureed jalapenos. Stir in salt, pepper and remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Stir the noodles into the sauce and serve immediatley.
Nutritional information per serving (about 3/4 cup):
Calories: 377.5
Fat: 16 grams
Carbohydrates: 44.5 grams
Fiber: 2.25 grams
Protein: 13 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 10
Tags:alfredo pasta recipes, alfredo recipes, cilantro recipes, low fat Alfredo, pasta recipes, spicy recipes
I can only imagine how this would liven up alfredo...yum is the word!
I did not have cream, so I used 1 1/4 cups of whole milk. That is the only modification I had to make. Thank you for this recipe!
I think the possibilities are endless with this. I want to make this next time with herb goat cheese and see what it tastes like.
Thank you so much for a wonderful recipe and blog. I am a loyal follower from now on...(This week alone for dinner we have had this alfredo, skillet lasagna and schezuan chicken). :)