Spaghetti Marco Polo
A flavorful pasta dish featuring walnuts, olives, pimentos, and fresh herbs in a creamy sauce, perfect for those who enjoy rich, savory flavors with a Mediterranean flair.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente; set aside.
- Saute oil and 1/2 garlic clove.
- Add chopped walnuts, black olives, pimentos, basil, and chopped parsley.
- Add pepper to taste.
- Pour in heavy cream and add cheese.
- Cook until hot and cheese is melted.
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the sauce, adding more cream and cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider toasting the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet before adding them to the sauce. If you don't have black olives, green olives or sun-dried tomatoes can be great substitutes. For a creamier sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Adjust the garlic amount according to your taste; roasted garlic can add a sweeter note to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Spaghetti Marco Polo with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. For an Italian twist, pair it with a glass of white wine, such as Pinot Grigio. This dish also pairs beautifully with Vodka Sauce For Pasta for those who enjoy bold flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the spaghetti in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the pasta rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spaghetti Marco Polo contains roughly 191 calories, with 12g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value), protein (25% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron.
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 make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegan by omitting the cheese and using a plant-based cream alternative. Nutritional yeast can also provide a cheesy flavor without dairy. Ensure that the olives and other ingredients are vegan-friendly, and you'll have a delicious vegan pasta dish.
What type of spaghetti works best for this dish?
Any type of spaghetti works well, but whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti can be healthier alternatives. The key is to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the hot sauce. Experiment with different pasta shapes like linguine or fettuccine for a fun twist.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed mushrooms can be excellent additions to Spaghetti Marco Polo. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in with the pasta and sauce before serving. This will add a hearty element and make the dish even more satisfying.
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).