Green Spaghetti Recipe: Green spaghetti is a vibrant and flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. Instead of the traditional tomato-based sauce, green spaghetti features a creamy, zesty sauce made from green ingredients like spinach, cilantro, tomatillos, poblano peppers, or even avocado. This dish, often popular in Mexican cuisine, not only adds a splash of color to your plate but also delivers a unique, herbaceous flavor profile that’s incredibly satisfying.
What makes green spaghetti stand out is its versatility. Depending on the recipe and region, the green sauce can be spicy, creamy, or fresh and tangy. It’s usually served as a side dish during family dinners, festive gatherings, or as a vegetarian main course when topped with cheese or paired with grilled vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This green spaghetti recipe is perfect for those looking to explore new flavors without straying too far from familiar comfort food. It’s:
- Easy to make: With simple steps and minimal prep time.
- Customizable: You can tweak the heat level and creaminess to your liking.
- Healthy: Packed with leafy greens and fresh herbs.
- A crowd-pleaser: Even picky eaters enjoy the creamy, herby goodness.
Whether you’re looking to switch up your pasta game or want to impress guests with something unique, this green spaghetti recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Green Sauce
Here’s what you’ll need for that luscious green sauce:
- 2 medium poblano peppers
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 small onion
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
These ingredients come together to create a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that coats every strand of pasta beautifully. The spinach and cilantro give it a fresh flavor and that signature green hue, while the cream cheese and sour cream add a luxurious texture.
For the Spaghetti
- 12 oz spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
- Salt for boiling water
That’s it! Keep it simple and let the sauce do all the talking.
Kitchen Tools Required
Before you start, make sure you have these kitchen essentials ready:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Blender or food processor
- Skillet or saucepan
- Knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
These tools will make prep and cooking quick and efficient.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Boil the Spaghetti
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain and set aside. Do not rinse the pasta—those starchy strands will help the sauce stick better.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, let’s move on to the green sauce. First, roast the poblano peppers. You can do this over an open flame on a gas stove, under the broiler in your oven, or in a dry skillet. Roast until the skins are charred and blistered, then transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a plate. Let them steam for 10 minutes—this makes peeling the skins off much easier.
Once steamed, peel off the skins, remove the seeds and stems, and chop them roughly. Sauté the garlic and onions in olive oil over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Blend to Perfection
Now it’s time to blend the magic. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted poblanos, sautéed onions and garlic, spinach, cilantro, sour cream, cream cheese, and broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If it’s too thick, add a little more broth or a splash of milk.
The result should be a velvety, green sauce with a balance of freshness, creaminess, and a hint of heat.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large skillet, pour in the green sauce and heat over low to medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked spaghetti and toss to coat every noodle in that vibrant sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to cling to the pasta.
Use tongs to mix everything well. If it looks dry, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Tips for Best Results
How to Adjust Flavor and Texture
Want it spicier? Add a jalapeño or more poblanos. Prefer it more garlicky? Toss in an extra clove. For a smoother sauce, blend longer or strain it through a sieve. If you’re going vegan, substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options like cashew cream or coconut yogurt.
Experiment and make it yours!
Serving Suggestions
What Goes Well with Green Spaghetti?
Green spaghetti is a flavor bomb on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes and toppings can elevate your meal to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a hearty side, here are some ideas that work beautifully with this dish.
1. Protein Options:
- Grilled Chicken: A simple grilled or pan-seared chicken breast, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a touch of lime, complements the creaminess of the green sauce perfectly.
- Shrimp: Lightly sautéed shrimp with garlic and chili flakes makes an elegant and flavorful pairing.
- Chorizo or Sausage: Want something bolder? Crumbled Mexican chorizo adds a spicy, smoky kick.
2. Vegetarian Toppings:
- Roasted Veggies: Think bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes.
- Toasted Pine Nuts or Pepitas: These add a crunchy contrast that works so well with the creamy texture.
- Queso Fresco or Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle some on top for an authentic Mexican twist.
3. Side Dishes:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Who doesn’t love bread with pasta?
- Simple Green Salad: Keep it fresh and crunchy with a lemon vinaigrette or creamy avocado dressing.
- Corn on the Cob or Elotes: If you want to keep the Mexican theme going strong, this is a tasty and traditional pairing.
4. Beverage Pairings:
- Agua Fresca: Try cucumber lime, watermelon, or tamarind flavors for a refreshing balance.
- White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Grigio works wonders.
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: Keeps the palate refreshed between bites.
The versatility of green spaghetti makes it an ideal dish for mixing and matching. Whether you’re serving it at a weeknight dinner or a festive event, the right sides can turn it into a standout meal.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem. Green spaghetti stores and reheats beautifully if you follow a few simple tips.
Storing:
- Let the pasta cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.
- Keep the sauce and pasta separate, if possible. This helps maintain the best texture and flavor when reheating.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or milk to a skillet and warm the pasta over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Microwave: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe container. Add a tablespoon of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
- Avoid overcooking as it can dry out the sauce or make the pasta mushy.
Freezing? Not recommended. The dairy-based sauce may separate or become grainy after thawing. If you must freeze, do it without the pasta and reblend the sauce upon reheating.
FAQs about Green Spaghetti Recipe
1. Can I use a different pasta instead of spaghetti?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, you can use fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even gluten-free options depending on your preference.
2. Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the roasted poblano peppers. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can use fewer peppers or remove the seeds.
3. How can I make this vegan?
Use plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt, vegan cream cheese, and veggie broth. Skip any dairy-based toppings.
4. Can I make the green sauce in advance?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and toss with fresh pasta when you’re ready.
5. What herbs can I substitute for cilantro?
If you’re not a fan of cilantro, try fresh basil or parsley. It will slightly change the flavor but still taste delicious.
Conclusion
Green spaghetti is more than just a vibrant dish—it’s a flavorful celebration of fresh herbs, creamy textures, and comforting pasta. This recipe walks the line between traditional comfort food and bold innovation. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or add your own creative flair, it’s a meal that brings color and joy to your table.
The beauty of green spaghetti lies in its adaptability. Want it spicy? Add some heat. Going dairy-free? Swap in plant-based alternatives. Need to feed a crowd? Double the recipe and watch it disappear. With its visual appeal and mouthwatering taste, green spaghetti will quickly become a staple in your home cooking rotation.
So next time you’re craving pasta, give this green beauty a try. You won’t be disappointed.
