Green Spaghetti
Green spaghetti is a vibrant, creamy dish featuring fresh ingredients like spinach, basil, or poblano peppers for a delightful burst of flavor and color. This versatile recipe pairs perfectly with various proteins, side dishes, and beverages, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Packed with nutrients and customizable to your taste, it’s the perfect blend of health and indulgence.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (for draining pasta)
- Baking sheet (for roasting poblano peppers)
- Tongs (for turning peppers)
- Plastic bag or bowl with lid (for steaming peppers)
- Saucepan (for simmering the green sauce)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring the sauce)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Chef’s knife (for chopping ingredients)
- Cutting board (for preparing ingredients)
Ingredients
- For the Sauce:
- 2 large poblano peppers roasted and peeled
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt for boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the skin is blistered.
- Remove from the oven, place in a sealed plastic bag, and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, toss with olive oil, and set aside.
- In a blender, combine the roasted poblano peppers, spinach, basil, cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer the sauce to a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the cooked pasta to the saucepan with the green sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Divide into serving bowls, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh basil, and enjoy!
Notes
Freezing Tip: If freezing, store the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the pasta’s texture.
Variations: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein. Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread, a mixed green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Let me know if you'd like to customize this further!
Variations: Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or Italian sausage for extra protein. Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Serving Suggestions: Pair with garlic bread, a mixed green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Let me know if you'd like to customize this further!