Traditional Methods

• Traditional fettuccine Alfredo calls for heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, loads of butter and sometimes egg yolks to create that luxurious sauce but not low-calorie dish. There is also the challenge of adding the eggs. One false move and you risk scrambling the eggs, creating a lumpy mess. Cream cheese can substitute for heavy cream, eggs and butter, creating a rich, creamy sauce without the added fat or the fear of ruining the dish.

Cream Cheese

• If you have run out of butter but you have cream cheese -- or, if you want a different taste, you can substitute cream cheese for butter. To do this, choose regular or low-fat cream cheese, but Neufchatel cheese works just as well. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature so that it is soft and then cut the cream cheese into small cubes. Combine it in a saucepan with milk or cream, Parmesan cheese and your seasonings. Heat the sauce over low heat, stirring frequently to melt the cream cheese. You should get a smooth, creamy sauce, but if lumps occur, use a whisk or pour the sauce into a blender. An Alfredo sauce made with cream cheese has a tangier flavor than one made with butter. You might also need to add additional salt if you're accustomed to using salted butter. For a buttery taste, you can add a bit of margarine, but this isn't necessary.

Cooking Tips

• If you opt to use milk in your Alfredo sauce, heat the ingredients over medium heat and avoid boiling it. Cooking milk at high heat causes the proteins in the milk to curdle, creating a lumpy mess. Cream can tolerate higher temperatures, but it is best to avoid boiling it, as well. Stir the mixture frequently so the cream cheese melts evenly.

Seasonings

• A dash of salt, pepper and nutmeg are the traditional seasonings for fettuccine Alfredo, but you can dress it up with other seasonings, as well. The cream cheese gives this dish a slight tang that pairs well with garlic or even chili peppers for a southwestern flair. Top the dish with grilled, sliced chicken breasts and Parmesan cheese. A green salad rounds out the meal.