Dreamy Low-Fat Fettuccine Alfredo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 teaspoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole milk
1/4 cup half-and-half
1 garlic clove, peeled and lightly crushed
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
9 ounces fettuccine pasta, fresh is best

Preparation

Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot over high heat. I sometimes use a ladle, fill each of four serving bowls with about 1/2 boiling water and set aside.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat the butter over medium heat until foaming. Whisk in the flour until mixture is smooth and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, half-and-half, garlic, 1/2 tsp salt, pepper and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Discard garlic, stir in Parmesan and remove from heat.
Stir pasta and remaining salt into the boiling water and cook, stirring constantly, until al dente, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
Return sauce to low heat, add 1/3 cup pasta water and the cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated. Cook until sauce has thickened slightly, about 1 minute. Add more water as needed to thin sauce to desired consistency and adjust seasonings.
Working quickly, empty the water from the warmed bowls and fill with pasta. Serve immediately.