Description
Green Spaghetti, or Espagueti Verde, is a delightful Mexican pasta dish featuring spaghetti enveloped in a creamy, vibrant green sauce made from roasted poblano peppers. This dish offers a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a unique twist on traditional pasta recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) spaghetti
- 4 poblano peppers
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ medium white onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- ½ to 1 cup milk or pasta cooking water
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cotija cheese, for garnish
Instructions
-
Roast the Poblano Peppers
Place the poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler, turning them until all sides are charred and blistered. Once charred, place the peppers in a sealed plastic bag or cover them with a bowl to steam for about 10 minutes. This will make peeling easier. After steaming, peel off the charred skin, remove the stems and seeds, and set the peppers aside. -
Cook the Spaghetti
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the spaghetti and set aside. -
Prepare the Poblano Sauce
In a blender, combine the roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, chopped onion, garlic, Mexican crema, cream cheese, chicken bouillon cube, and ½ cup of milk or reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add more milk or pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. -
Cook the Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter or heat the olive oil over medium heat. Pour in the blended poblano sauce and bring it to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. -
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce. Toss well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more milk or pasta water to loosen it up. -
Serve
Transfer the green spaghetti to serving plates and garnish with crumbled Cotija cheese and additional cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Roasting Peppers: Roasting the poblano peppers enhances their smoky flavor. Ensure they are well-charred for easy peeling and optimal taste.
Adjusting Spice Level: Poblano peppers are generally mild, but for added heat, consider including a roasted jalapeño or serrano pepper in the sauce.
Cream Substitutes: If Mexican crema is unavailable, sour cream or heavy cream can be used as substitutes.
Storage: Leftover green spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1¼ cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Green Spaghetti, Espagueti Verde, Poblano Pasta, Mexican Pasta, Creamy Poblano Sauce