Zesty Green Spaghetti Recipe That Brightens Every Meal

My kitchen experiments with creamy green spaghetti always spark curious conversations among dinner guests.

Unexpected ingredients blend into a vibrant pasta that surprises everyone at the table.

Herbs and vegetables create a luscious sauce without heavy cream or complicated techniques.

Simple, fresh components come together in minutes for a memorable meal.

Blending spinach, basil, and nuts produces an emerald-colored coating that clings beautifully to pasta strands.

Each twirl promises a burst of fresh, verdant flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.

Lean in and savor this delightful twist on classic pasta that might become your new weeknight favorite.

Why Green Spaghetti Feels Like A Fresh Surprise

• Craft a Vibrant Meal: Elevate your pasta game with this zesty green spaghetti that transforms ordinary dinner into a flavor explosion.
• Blend and Serve Quickly: Requires minimal cooking skills and comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks looking for a delicious dinner solution.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for different spice levels by adjusting jalapeño quantities, ensuring everyone from kids to heat lovers can enjoy this creamy green pasta.
• Nutrient-Packed Comfort Food: Packed with fresh herbs and greens, this recipe sneaks extra vegetables into a classic pasta dish, creating a healthier twist on traditional cream-based pasta recipes.

Everything That Goes Into Green Spaghetti

• Spaghetti: A classic Italian pasta that serves as the foundation for this vibrant green dish.

• Spinach, Cilantro, Parsley: Fresh green herbs that provide a bright, herbaceous flavor and rich green color to the sauce.
• Garlic, Jalapeños: Aromatic ingredients that add depth and a subtle spicy kick to the green sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream, Cream Cheese: Dairy ingredients that create a luxurious, smooth, and rich texture for the green sauce.
• Olive Oil: Helps to blend the sauce smoothly and adds a subtle fruity undertone.
• Lime Juice: Provides a tangy brightness that balances the creamy sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish to the green spaghetti.

How To Whip Up Green Spaghetti With Ease

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and generously salt it. Bring the water to a vigorous boil over high heat. Gently slide the spaghetti into the bubbling water and cook until it reaches that ideal al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Create Vibrant Green Sauce

• Fresh spinach
• Cilantro
• Parsley
• Garlic cloves
• Jalapeños

Pulse these green ingredients until they transform into a smooth, bright mixture that looks like a verdant dream.

Step 3: Blend Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Cream cheese
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend everything until the sauce becomes silky smooth and takes on a rich, emerald-green color.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked spaghetti, but keep a half cup of pasta water nearby. Transfer the hot pasta back to the pot and pour the luscious green sauce directly over it. Gently toss the pasta, ensuring every strand gets coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Sprinkle a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix thoroughly. Plate immediately while piping hot. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with additional herbs or a zesty lime wedge.

Smart Green Spaghetti Tips That Work

• Boost Herb Freshness: Use freshly picked herbs at room temperature for maximum flavor and vibrant green color.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Add cream ingredients slowly while blending to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
• Control Spice Level: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce or add extra for more heat – customize to your taste preference.
• Achieve Perfect Consistency: Reserve pasta water helps adjust sauce thickness, preventing it from becoming too dry or runny.
• Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let hot pasta sit in green sauce for 1-2 minutes before serving to help ingredients meld together completely.

Green Spaghetti Variations You Should Try

• Protein Power Pasta: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to create a protein-packed version of the green spaghetti, enhancing nutritional value and making the meal more substantial.
• Vegan Verde: Replace heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and cashew cream, transforming the recipe into a plant-based, dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy texture.
• Spice Lover's Edition: Increase jalapeño quantity or add roasted green chiles to amp up the heat, creating a fiery version for those who enjoy bold, spicy flavors.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to give the green spaghetti a Mediterranean-inspired profile with tangy and rich undertones.

Perfect Pairings For Green Spaghetti Dishes

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Crisp sauvignon blanc or albariño perfectly complement the herbal green sauce, cutting through its creamy richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Enhance with Protein Partner: Grilled chicken or shrimp add lean protein and mild flavor that won't overpower the vibrant green sauce, creating a balanced meal.
• Match with Fresh Side Salad: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a crisp, tangy contrast to the creamy spaghetti, balancing the dish's rich texture.
• Select Herbal Cocktail Companion: Gin-based mojito or herbal martini echoes the green sauce's fresh herb profile, elevating the overall dining experience with complementary botanical flavors.

How To Store Green Spaghetti Without Losing Flavor

• Store leftover green spaghetti in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Transfer cooled green spaghetti to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Green Spaghetti FAQ For Curious Cooks

• What makes this green sauce unique?

The sauce combines spinach, cilantro, parsley, jalapeños, and creamy dairy ingredients, creating a vibrant, herbaceous, and tangy green sauce that’s packed with flavor and nutrition.

• Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Yes, you can control the heat by reducing or increasing the number of jalapeños. Remove the seeds for a milder sauce or add more jalapeños for extra kick.

• Is this recipe vegetarian?

The recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat, using herbs, vegetables, dairy products, and pasta as the main ingredients.

• Can I use a blender instead of a food processor?

Absolutely! A blender works perfectly for creating the smooth green sauce, just ensure you scrape down the sides occasionally to blend everything evenly.

Green Spaghetti Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mexican green spaghetti delivers a creamy, zesty pasta experience that blends roasted poblano peppers with smooth cheese sauce. Diners will savor each twirled bite of this flavorful dish that brings comfort and excitement to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 lb (454 g) spaghetti
• 1 package fresh spinach
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/2 cup parsley

Dairy and Cream:

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2 oz cream cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 2 jalapeños
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 lime (juice)

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Instructions

1. Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
2. Add spaghetti to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
3. While pasta cooks, prepare the green sauce by combining spinach, cilantro, parsley, garlic, and jalapeños in a food processor.
4. Pulse the green herbs and vegetables until they form a smooth, vibrant mixture.
5. Add heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and black pepper to the processor.
6. Blend the sauce until completely smooth and creamy, creating a rich green consistency.
7. Drain the cooked pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for potential sauce thinning.
8. Return the pasta to the pot and immediately pour the green sauce over the hot spaghetti.
9. Gently toss the pasta to coat evenly with the sauce, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
10. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the pasta and mix thoroughly.
11. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a lime wedge if desired.

Notes

• Adjust spice levels by removing jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce or adding more for extra heat.
• Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt to create dairy-free or lighter variations of the recipe.
• Reserve pasta water strategically to control sauce thickness and help ingredients adhere perfectly to the noodles.
• Toast fresh herbs quickly in a dry pan before blending to enhance their aromatic flavors and depth of taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg