Make-Ahead French Spaghetti
A comforting make-ahead French spaghetti dish with rich tomato, mushroom, and olive flavors, topped with Parmesan, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup margarine ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 (28 oz.) can peeled whole tomatoes, drained ⓘ
- salt ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) package spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/2 pint whipping cream ⓘ
- 1/2 (6 oz.) can black olives, cut lengthwise ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Fry chopped onion in 1/2 cup margarine until translucent.
- Add drained peeled whole tomatoes, stirring to break up.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt and simmer for 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions.
- In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons margarine, then stir in flour and cook briefly.
- Gradually add milk and whipping cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
- Mix cooked spaghetti with the sauce, chopped black olives, sliced mushrooms, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, or refrigerate for make-ahead convenience.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using butter instead of margarine. You can also add sautéed garlic or bell peppers for extra depth. If you prefer, substitute the black olives with green olives or capers. To enhance the sauce, incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a slight kick. This dish can also be made vegetarian by ensuring all ingredients meet that requirement.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad or garlic bread, making it a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside a light appetizer like the Spinach-Pesto Appetizer to round out the dining experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce's consistency. Stir occasionally until heated through, or you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Make-Ahead French Spaghetti contains roughly 1198 calories, with 21g protein, 141g carbohydrates, and 62g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (45% of the Daily Value), protein (42% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2144mg per serving (93% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat spaghetti instead?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative for a healthier option. It will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to the dish, making it more filling. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take slightly longer to cook.
Is it possible to freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the spaghetti dish before baking it. Just ensure it's in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until bubbling, adding a bit of milk to keep it creamy.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you want to lighten the dish, you can substitute whipping cream with half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. This will reduce the fat content while still providing a creamy texture. Just be cautious not to boil the sauce after adding yogurt to prevent curdling.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).