Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti) is a delightful dish bursting with flavor and color. This creamy, roasted poblano sauce pairs perfectly with spaghetti, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, gatherings, or a simple weeknight meal. The vibrant green hue and rich taste make Espagueti Verde not just a meal but an experience that will impress your guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 25 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish on the table in no time!
• Creamy & Flavorful: The roasted poblano peppers blend beautifully with cream cheese and cilantro, creating a rich sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the spice level by adjusting the use of serrano or jalapeño peppers according to your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
• Filling and Nutritious: Packed with fresh ingredients like cilantro and poblano peppers, this recipe provides a wholesome meal option.

Tools and Preparation

To make this recipe smoothly, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking process is efficient and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender
• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender: A high-quality blender helps achieve a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps.
• Large pot: Necessary for cooking the spaghetti while also allowing enough space to mix everything together comfortably.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely and efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting through vegetables easy, speeding up your prep time.

Ingredients

Espagueti Verde – Mexican green spaghetti with a creamy, roasted poblano sauce!

For the Pasta

• 1 lb spaghetti
• 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

For the Sauce

• 4 poblano peppers
• 1 cup cilantro (leaves only)
• ½ onion, roughly chopped
• 1 cup crema Mexicana or sour cream
• 1 box (8 oz) cream cheese
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1 cube chicken (or veggie) bouillon
• ½-1 cup milk or water
• 1-2 serrano or jalapeño peppers (optional)

For Garnish

• Cotija cheese

How to Make Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain it while reserving some pasta water for later. Toss the noodles with butter or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Roast the Peppers

While the spaghetti is boiling, roast the poblano peppers until charred. You can roast serrano or jalapeño peppers at this stage as well if you prefer them cooked.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

In a blender, combine the roasted peppers, cilantro, onion, crema, cream cheese, garlic, chicken bouillon, and ½ cup of milk or reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Pour the blended sauce into a large pot over medium-low heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once it simmers, add in the cooked spaghetti. Stir well to coat all noodles evenly. If needed, add more milk or pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Serve topped with cotija cheese if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Espagueti Verde!

How to Serve Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

Espagueti Verde is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual family meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Cotija Cheese

• Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese on top for a salty, creamy contrast that enhances the flavors of the sauce.

Add Fresh Cilantro

• Top your dish with extra cilantro leaves for a burst of freshness and color that complements the green spaghetti beautifully.

Serve with Lime Wedges

• A squeeze of lime adds a zesty kick that brightens up the dish and balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Pair with Grilled Chicken

• Serve alongside grilled chicken for a protein boost. Simply season the chicken with herbs and spices before grilling to match the flavors of Espagueti Verde.

Include Sautéed Vegetables

• Complement your pasta with sautéed vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. These add texture and additional nutrients to your meal.

Offer Crusty Bread

• Present crusty bread on the side for dipping into the creamy sauce. A great way to enjoy every last bit of flavor!

How to Perfect Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

To create the best Espagueti Verde, follow these helpful tips for an amazing result every time.

• Roast Your Peppers Well: Ensure your poblano peppers are charred properly for a smoky flavor. This step enhances the overall taste of your green sauce.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh cilantro and high-quality crema or sour cream. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor.

• Balance Your Sauce: Adjust the thickness of your sauce by adding milk or reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

• Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish while cooking and adjust seasoning accordingly. This ensures you achieve perfect flavor balance.

• Don’t Overcook Spaghetti: Cook your spaghetti al dente so it maintains its texture when mixed with the creamy sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

Pairing side dishes with Espagueti Verde can enhance your meal and provide delightful contrasts in flavors and textures. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.

2. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet grilled corn adds a smoky-sweet element that complements the green spaghetti beautifully. Brush with butter or olive oil before grilling.

3. Black Bean Salad: A bean salad mixed with corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing enhances protein content while offering vibrant colors and flavors.

4. Stuffed Avocados: Halved avocados filled with diced tomatoes, onions, and lime create a creamy side that pairs well with any pasta dish.

5. Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach seasoned with garlic makes for a nutritious side that brings out earthy tones in the main dish.

6. Tortilla Chips with Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served alongside fresh salsa offer a fun appetizer or snack that complements Mexican flavors well.

7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters make an excellent side dish, providing added crunch and flavor to balance out the creamy pasta.

8. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with cilantro and lime juice offers a fragrant base that pairs nicely under your green spaghetti.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while preparing Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti) can enhance your cooking experience and the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Skipping the Roasting: Not roasting the poblano peppers can result in a less flavorful sauce. Always roast them to bring out their natural sweetness.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking spaghetti too long will make it mushy. Follow package instructions for al dente pasta for the best texture.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Blending cold cream cheese can lead to lumps in your sauce. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a smoother consistency.
• Ignoring Seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can lead to bland pasta. Always season your sauce to enhance its flavor.
• Not Reserving Pasta Water: Forgetting to save some pasta water means losing a valuable ingredient for adjusting sauce consistency. Always set aside a cup before draining.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy identification.

Reheating Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if necessary, stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)?

Espagueti Verde is a Mexican dish featuring spaghetti tossed in a creamy green sauce made from roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, and cream cheese.

Can I make Espagueti Verde vegetarian?

Yes, simply use vegetable bouillon instead of chicken bouillon and enjoy this delicious vegetarian version.

How spicy is this Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti)?

The spiciness depends on whether you include serrano or jalapeño peppers. Adjust these ingredients based on your spice preference.

Can I customize the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition or adjust the creaminess by using more or less milk.

Final Thoughts

Espagueti Verde (Green Spaghetti) is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices for a unique twist. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this creamy green pasta will surely delight everyone’s palate!