Meatfree Monday: Fettuccine Alfredo with Veggies

     I'm trying not to get stuck in a pasta or bean rut regarding these meatfree dishes. It just seems like every recipe that has no meat is based around one of those ingredients. Bear with me as I continue the search. I've been pleased with the addition of Meatfree Monday on our pocketbook. I'm also impressed that I don't seem to miss the meat on the days we don't have it. I've always considered myself rather carnivorous.

     This fettuccine was so flavorful! At the end of dinner, J said, "Was that our meatfree dish of the week?" He didn't even miss it! His only complaint was the addition of lima beans. I'll have to puree those next time, I suppose. Ha! In addition to the lima beans, the pasta contains broccoli and cauliflower to really kick up the vegetables. My formerly not-so-picky two year old has recently decided she won't eat anything but peanut butter and jelly, so at least I can trick her into eating something healthy for a couple of bites!

Estimated cost: about $3.50

pasta $1, vegetables $1.50, other $1



adapted from Joy Bauer

12 oz whole wheat noodles

2 Tbl butter

2 cloves minced garlic

2 Tbl whole wheat flour

1 cup milk

1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup pureed cauliflower

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

1/4 tsp paprika

frozen (or fresh) broccoli and/or lima beans

• Boil pasta. Save about 1/2 cup of the cooking water.


• Heat butter in saucepan. Add garlic and cook 1-2 minutes. 


• Add flour and cook about 4 minutes until paste forms. 


• Whisk in milk and stir until it starts to thicken. 


• Stir in the cheeses, cauliflower, parmesan chese, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.


• Add in drained pasta and broccoli. Heat until broccoli is just tender. Add reserved pasta cooking water if needed. 

Meatfree features of the week...
a small collection of my favorite meat free recipes that I come across as I search the web each week. All the recipes that I post from various blogs will be stumbled to bring a little extra love to their posts...and if you happen to be one of my featured recipes you can grab my "I was featured on Meat Free Monday" button for your post.




Roasted Zucchini Pasta by Ezra Pound Cake

. Granola Banana Sticks from Taste of Home