Spaghetti Cheese Amandine
A creamy, crunchy pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti topped with toasted almonds and seasoned with herbs, perfect for a quick, flavorful vegetarian meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti or noodles, then drain.
- Melt the margarine in a large skillet.
- Saute the slivered almonds in the melted margarine until golden.
- Add the cooked pasta, low-fat cottage cheese, oregano, marjoram, basil, and pepper to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until heated through and well combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting part of the low-fat cottage cheese with Greek yogurt. If you want a nuttier flavor, try toasting the almonds slightly longer before adding them to the dish. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor profile, so feel free to use fresh oregano, marjoram, and basil if you have them on hand. This dish can serve as a light main course or a hearty side dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Spaghetti Cheese Amandine with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. It pairs beautifully with Baked Eggplant Palmisigano for a satisfying vegetarian meal. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp on top. A sprinkle of grated parmesan can also enhance the flavor profile.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Cheese Amandine contains roughly 268 calories, with 6g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (86% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 17g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 of regular spaghetti?
Yes, whole wheat spaghetti is a great alternative and adds more fiber to the dish. It will also give a slightly nuttier flavor, which complements the almonds well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take a little longer to cook.
Is it possible to make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! You can replace the margarine with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan cottage cheese or a blended tofu mixture for a similar texture. Additionally, make sure to use a vegan pasta to keep the dish entirely plant-based and suitable for vegan diets.
What can I add for extra protein in this recipe?
For added protein, you can incorporate cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. Tofu or tempeh are also excellent choices, easily absorbing the flavors of the seasonings. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for any additional ingredients.
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).