Green spaghetti is more than just a visually striking meal—it’s a delicious blend of creamy, herbaceous flavors that cater to a wide range of palates. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your guests, green spaghetti is the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Green spaghetti combines fresh greens, creamy sauces, and perfectly cooked pasta to create a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delightful. The vibrant green color is naturally derived, making it a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Ready to dive in?
What is Green Spaghetti?
A Dish That’s as Unique as It Looks
Green spaghetti is a pasta dish that gets its signature color from fresh greens like spinach, kale, or poblano peppers. Depending on the recipe, it can lean towards Italian with basil pesto or Mexican with roasted peppers and cream cheese.
What Makes It Special?
- Packed with nutrients from leafy greens.
- Completely customizable for different diets, including vegan and gluten-free options.
- A quick and easy meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or elegance.
What do you need for green spaghetti
Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic version of green spaghetti:
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your favorite pasta type).
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or kale, parsley, or basil).
- 1 medium poblano pepper (optional for smoky flavor).
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for a vegan version).
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option).
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional toppings: pine nuts, chili flakes, or fresh herbs.
How to Make Green Spaghetti
1: Prepare the Sauce
- Blanch fresh spinach (or greens of your choice) in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to retain the vibrant green color.
- If using poblano peppers, roast them over an open flame or in the oven until charred. Remove the skin, seeds, and stem.
- Blend the spinach, poblano (if using), garlic, olive oil, cream, and Parmesan cheese into a smooth sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
3: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the green sauce in a large skillet or pot. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of toppings like pine nuts, chili flakes, or fresh herbs.
Tips for Perfect Green Spaghetti
- Keep the Green Color Vibrant: Blanching greens and using fresh ingredients ensure a vivid hue.
- Balance the Creaminess: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or roasted garlic for depth.
- Make It Your Own:
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Swap cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Variations of Green Spaghetti
Mexican
- Use roasted poblano peppers, cream cheese, and a touch of cilantro for a smoky, creamy twist.
Vegan
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a plant-based version.
Herby Pesto
- Blend fresh basil, parsley, and pine nuts for a classic Italian-style green spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair green spaghetti with a light arugula salad or roasted vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dish’s fresh flavors.
- Presentation: Use a white plate to make the green color pop and sprinkle toppings generously for a restaurant-quality finish.
Why You Should Try recipe
Green spaghetti is more than just a pasta dish—it’s a celebration of vibrant, fresh ingredients and creative culinary techniques. Whether you’re embracing a vegetarian lifestyle, catering to picky eaters, or simply trying something new, this dish delivers on all fronts.
Share Your Experience!
Did you try this recipe? Share your variations, tips, and stunning plates with us in the comments below .
More inspiring pasta recipes:
- Smoked sausage pasta
- Stuffed shells with meat
- Boursin Cheese Pasta
- Chicken and Shrimp Alfredo
- Creamy Broccoli Pasta
Green Spaghetti
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta type.
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale, parsley, or basil.
- 1 medium poblano pepper optional for smoky flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a vegan version.
- 2 cloves garlic minced.
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
- Optional toppings: pine nuts chili flakes, or fresh herbs.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Blanch fresh spinach (or greens of your choice) in boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water to retain the vibrant green color.
- If using poblano peppers, roast them over an open flame or in the oven until charred. Remove the skin, seeds, and stem.
- Blend the spinach, poblano (if using), garlic, olive oil, cream, and Parmesan cheese into a smooth sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Boil spaghetti in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
- Toss the cooked spaghetti with the green sauce in a large skillet or pot. Add the reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with your choice of toppings like pine nuts, chili flakes, or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Keep the Green Color Vibrant: Blanching greens and using fresh ingredients ensure a vivid hue.
- Balance the Creaminess: Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness or roasted garlic for depth.
- Make It Your Own:
- Add protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Swap cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
