Nutty & Savory Almond Breeze Cream Spaghetti
Rich Creamy Spaghetti Made with Low-Calorie Almond Breeze
Looking for a cream spaghetti that’s even nuttier and more satisfying? This recipe uses healthy, low-calorie Almond Breeze for a lighter yet equally delicious dish. It’s wonderfully savory and smooth, with a hint of spice from red pepper flakes to cut through the richness. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this spaghetti is sure to impress!
Main Ingredients- Spaghetti pasta, 3 servings
- Minced garlic, 2 Tbsp
- Garlic cloves, 5-10
- Cocktail shrimp, 12 pcs
- King oyster mushrooms, 2-3 (or your preferred mushrooms)
- Bacon strips, 4
- Heavy cream or whipping cream, 250ml
- Almond Breeze Original, 250ml (Unsweetened is also fine)
- String cheese, 3 sticks
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Black pepper, to taste
- Parsley flakes, for garnish
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare all your ingredients. Fresh, quality ingredients are the key to a delicious meal!
Step 2
Thaw the cocktail shrimp by soaking them in cold water. Thinly slice the garlic cloves. Cut the king oyster mushrooms into 2-3cm pieces and the bacon into 2-3cm strips. (Tip: Feel free to substitute king oyster mushrooms with shiitake, button mushrooms, or any other mushroom you enjoy for a variety of flavors!)
Step 3
In a large pot, bring enough water to cover the spaghetti to a boil. Add 1 Tbsp of coarse salt to season the pasta water.
Step 4
Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the spaghetti. Cook according to package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended time for ‘al dente’ (firm to the bite). For a chewier texture, cook for 8-9 minutes; for a softer texture, cook for 10 minutes. (Important: Reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. This will be useful for adjusting the sauce consistency later!)
Step 5
In a large skillet or frying pan, heat a generous amount of olive oil over medium-low heat, enough to generously coat the bottom and cook the garlic.
Step 6
For an intense garlic flavor, add the sliced garlic cloves along with the minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic. (If you’re a big garlic lover, don’t hesitate to add plenty of both minced and sliced garlic!)
Step 7
Once the garlic is golden brown and aromatic, add the dried red chili flakes (peperoncino) and stir-fry briefly. Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to your preference for spiciness. (If you prefer a milder flavor or a less spicy dish, you can omit the chili flakes. A tiny amount of finely chopped fresh chili can be a substitute if peperoncino is unavailable.)
Step 8
Add the thawed cocktail shrimp to the skillet and cook just until they turn pink. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the shrimp tough.
Step 9
Add the prepared mushrooms and bacon to the skillet. Sauté everything together until the bacon is nicely browned and the mushrooms have released some of their moisture. This step builds a great depth of flavor.
Step 10
Reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream (or whipping cream) and Almond Breeze Original in equal proportions. (Almond Breeze Unsweetened is also a good option! I used whipping cream this time, and it resulted in a richer, slightly thicker sauce compared to regular heavy cream, which I quite liked.)
Step 11
As the sauce begins to simmer, season it with salt and black pepper to your taste. To thicken the sauce and add a creamy texture, tear the 3 string cheese sticks into pieces and stir them into the sauce until melted. (I only had string cheese on hand, but it worked wonderfully, melting smoothly without being overly rich like cheddar cheese.) You can also add some of the reserved pasta water at this stage to help adjust the sauce consistency before adding the pasta.
Step 12
Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors of the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency. Ensure the pasta and sauce are thoroughly combined.
Step 13
Serve the spaghetti onto plates. Garnish generously with parsley flakes for a beautiful finish. Enjoy your delicious Almond Breeze Cream Spaghetti!
