Green spaghetti, or Espagueti Verde, is a colorful and flavorful dish that has found its way into many homes. Known for its creamy green sauce, this green spaghetti recipe uses poblano peppers, cilantro, and cream cheese as its primary ingredients. The combination of these creates a rich, smoky, and tangy sauce that perfectly complements spaghetti. Simple yet versatile, this green spaghetti recipe can fit into many dietary preferences.
This article covers everything you need to know about green spaghetti: its origins, essential ingredients, recipe variations, and tips for making it at home. Whether you’re a first-time cook or an experienced chef, you’ll discover how to make and customize this delicious green spaghetti recipe.
Introduction to Green Spaghetti
Green spaghetti, sometimes referred to as Mexican green spaghetti or Espagueti Verde, stands out because of its vibrant green sauce. The dish’s bold color comes from the roasted poblano peppers that form the base of the sauce. These mild chili peppers bring a subtle smokiness and a slight heat to the dish, blending beautifully with creamy elements like cream cheese and sour cream.
Though it’s often compared to Italian pesto pasta due to its color, this green spaghetti recipe has its own distinct flavors. Instead of relying on basil and pine nuts, the green hue and flavor in this dish come from poblanos, cilantro, and dairy. The combination gives the dish a richness that balances out the mild heat of the peppers.
What makes this green spaghetti recipe particularly appealing is its versatility. Green spaghetti works well as either a main dish or a side, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or special gatherings. Additionally, the recipe can be adjusted for dietary restrictions, such as creating vegan green spaghetti or gluten-free green spaghetti.
For a more traditional take on the recipe, Taste of Home offers a delicious green spaghetti recipe that’s easy to follow.
Origins of Green Spaghetti
The roots of green spaghetti lie in Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex cuisine, where it is known as Espagueti Verde. This dish evolved from a blend of Italian pasta traditions and Mexican ingredients, especially the poblano pepper.
In Mexico, the poblano pepper plays a central role in many dishes, from chiles rellenos to enchiladas. When roasted, poblanos develop a rich, smoky flavor that pairs well with creamy ingredients like Mexican crema or sour cream. This use of roasted poblanos, along with cilantro and cream cheese, gives green spaghetti its unique color and taste.
Although this dish is relatively unknown in Italy, where green pasta often features spinach or basil, the Mexican version gets its signature green color from poblano peppers. The popularity of green spaghetti spread throughout the United States thanks to its presence in Tex-Mex restaurants and Mexican-American homes, leading to the creation of various versions of the green spaghetti recipe.
For a detailed guide on how to prepare the poblano sauce, Delish offers a step-by-step Espagueti Verde recipe.
Main Ingredients of Green Spaghetti
The magic of green spaghetti comes from its combination of simple yet bold ingredients. Here’s a closer look at the key components that make this green spaghetti recipe stand out:
1. Poblano Peppers
Roasted poblano peppers are the heart of this dish. They provide a mild heat and smoky flavor that forms the base of the green sauce. For those who enjoy spicier food, adding serrano or jalapeño peppers can intensify the heat in this green spaghetti recipe.
2. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese gives the sauce its creamy consistency, making it rich and velvety. It blends perfectly with the roasted poblanos, creating a smooth sauce that coats the spaghetti. To lighten the dish, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese or use Greek yogurt.
3. Mexican Crema or Sour Cream
Mexican crema, or sour cream, adds a tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream cheese. This ingredient also helps neutralize the spiciness of the poblanos, ensuring the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
4. Cilantro
Fresh cilantro brings an herbal, zesty flavor to the sauce. It also enhances the bright green color. For those who don’t enjoy cilantro, you can replace it with parsley or reduce the amount.
5. Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion add depth and complexity to the sauce. They’re sautéed until fragrant before being blended with the poblanos and other ingredients.
6. Spaghetti
Traditional spaghetti is used for this dish, but you can experiment with whole wheat spaghetti or gluten-free pasta to suit your preferences.
7. Queso Fresco
Crumbled queso fresco is often used as a garnish, adding a light, salty touch to the creamy sauce. It’s a great finishing touch for this green spaghetti recipe.
Step-by-Step Green Spaghetti Recipe
This simple yet delicious green spaghetti recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Follow these steps to create this classic Mexican dish.
Ingredients:
- 3 poblano peppers
- 1 block of cream cheese
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ onion, chopped
- 1 bunch of cilantro
- 1 pound of spaghetti
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crumbled queso fresco for garnish
Instructions:
- Roast the Poblanos: Roast the poblanos over an open flame or under a broiler until the skins char. After roasting, place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap and let them steam for 10-15 minutes. Peel off the skins and remove the seeds.
- Cook the Spaghetti: Boil the spaghetti in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted poblanos, cream cheese, crema, garlic, onion, and cilantro. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat the Sauce: Pour the sauce into a large skillet and heat over medium, making sure it doesn’t boil.
- Mix the Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the green sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with crumbled queso fresco and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
This green spaghetti recipe is easy to make and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion.
Healthier and Vegan Variations of Green Spaghetti
For those looking to make this dish lighter or suitable for special diets, here are a few ways to modify this green spaghetti recipe.
1. Vegan Green Spaghetti
To create a vegan green spaghetti recipe, simply replace the cream cheese and sour cream with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese. You can also omit the queso fresco or use a vegan cheese for the garnish.
2. Low-Fat Green Spaghetti
For a lighter version of this green spaghetti recipe, use low-fat cream cheese and substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt. Using whole wheat spaghetti can increase the fiber content and make the dish more filling.
3. Gluten-Free Green Spaghetti
For a gluten-free green spaghetti recipe, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Zucchini noodles or other spiralized vegetables can also replace the traditional spaghetti for a low-carb option.
These variations allow you to enjoy the flavors of green spaghetti while catering to your specific dietary needs.
Customizing Green Spaghetti
One of the best aspects of this green spaghetti recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to customize the dish:
- Add Protein: For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chorizo to your green spaghetti.
- Spice It Up: If you like spicy food, add serrano or jalapeño peppers to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value of the dish by including sautéed vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- Experiment with Cheeses: If you don’t have queso fresco on hand, try using cotija, feta, or Parmesan as an alternative.
These options let you put your own spin on the classic green spaghetti recipe, making it perfect for your preferences.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To ensure your green spaghetti turns out perfect every time, keep these common mistakes in mind:
- Not Roasting the Poblanos Fully: Be sure to roast the poblanos until they’re fully blistered. This step brings out the smoky flavor crucial to the dish.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Like any pasta dish, green spaghetti tastes best when the spaghetti is cooked al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles that don’t hold the sauce well.
- Curdling the Sauce: Heat the sauce gently to avoid curdling. If the heat is too high, the cream cheese and crema might separate, leading to a grainy sauce.
FAQs About Green Spaghetti
What is the green sauce in green spaghetti made of?
The green sauce in green spaghetti comes primarily from roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic. These ingredients are blended together to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Can I make green spaghetti without poblanos?
Yes, if poblanos are unavailable, you can substitute them with spinach, kale, or broccoli. These substitutes will provide a green color, but the flavor will differ.
Is green spaghetti spicy?
Green spaghetti is generally mild because of the poblano peppers, which are not very spicy. If you want to add more heat, you can include serrano or jalapeño peppers in the sauce.
Can I make green spaghetti vegan?
Yes, to make a vegan green spaghetti recipe, substitute the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew cream and vegan cream cheese.
Conclusion
This green spaghetti recipe, also known as Espagueti Verde, is a delicious, creamy dish that combines the rich flavor of roasted poblano peppers with creamy sour cream and cream cheese. Whether you follow the traditional recipe or create a variation that suits your dietary preferences, green spaghetti is sure to become a favorite in your household.
For a detailed recipe guide, be sure to check out Delish’s step-by-step Espagueti Verde recipe.
Now that you know how to make this green spaghetti recipe, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy this flavorful dish!