Written by: Courtney Day; SLU Dietetic Intern
Almost everyone has a comfort food, a meal that makes you feel better on a bad day and brings back happy memories. Whether it’s something nostalgic from childhood or a more recent memory, that emotional connection combined with what is usually an indulgent (and maybe a little less healthy) meal brings a happy, cozy feeling with every mouthful. My perfect comfort food is my mom’s chicken fettuccine alfredo. I’ve asked for it for my birthday every year for the last 15 years. Comfort foods like alfredo are often categorized as unhealthy, and being a dietetics intern this year I’ve been on a mission to find recipes and simple ways to revamp my favorite comfort foods and pack a few more nutrients in. With the seasons finally changing to my all time favorite, autumn, those delicious autumn flavors have definitely been on my mind. What can I say? I’ve always been a pumpkin spice girl. To say I was THRILLED to find a similar recipe for my favorite comfort meal with a fun, healthy, fall twist is an understatement!
Shout out to damndelicious.com - this recipe for Butternut Squash Alfredo is a delicious cozy comfort meal with a boost of nutritional value from the original that I added. The butternut squash brings in some extra fiber, vitamin A, and antioxidants as an added bonus. With just the simple addition of a vegetable, we can make a delicious, satiating meal while keeping the comfort and indulgence. Other simple adjustments can make this recipe even more nutritious without sacrificing one ounce of comfort: trading some of the whole milk for chicken or bone broth to lower the fat and add protein, switching from regular to turkey bacon to lower the fat, or mixing in a handful of spinach for some iron and B vitamins. Whether you let your inner chef shine with some of your own changes or follow the recipe as is, this dish is a great version of alfredo with a rich fall flavor and makes me wonder: what other comfort meals could use a fun, fresh, seasonal update?
Credit Recipe with additions/modifications from me - https://damndelicious.net/2017/10/13/butternut-squash-alfredo-pasta/
Credit Graphic - My creations and templates found on Canva
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