Mexican Green Spaghetti is a vibrant and flavorful dish that lets you enjoy the comforting texture of spaghetti while delivering the bold, rich flavors of Mexican cuisine. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a gathering with family and friends. With its creamy green sauce made from poblano and bell peppers, it elevates your pasta game and introduces a delightful twist. Whip up this simple recipe, and you’ll be delighted by the combination of fresh ingredients and creamy goodness that will make your taste buds dance!
Why We Love This Mexican Green Spaghetti Recipe
This Mexican Green Spaghetti recipe is loved for its simplicity and flavor. The combination of fresh vegetables creates a vibrant and appealing sauce that’s both delicious and visually stunning. It uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to prepare at home. Plus, the creamy consistency of the sauce makes it a hit with both kids and adults. The dish combines the comfort of traditional pasta with the freshness of Mexican flavors, making it a unique and satisfying choice for any meal. You can easily adjust the spice levels to cater to your tastes, ensuring that everyone at the table enjoys this delectable dish.
Ingredients About Mexican Green Spaghetti
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 2 medium poblano peppers
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 cup Mexican crema
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
These ingredients come together to create a lush green sauce that coats each strand of pasta, offering a deliciously rich experience that you won’t soon forget. The freshness of cilantro complements the roasted flavors of the peppers beautifully, creating a unique marriage of flavors in each bite.
How to Make Mexican Green Spaghetti Directions
To make your Mexican Green Spaghetti, start by cooking the spaghetti according to the instructions on the package. It’s crucial to cook it to al dente, as this will give you a firmer bite that holds up well when combined with the sauce. While the pasta is cooking, you can prepare the sauce.
First, roast the poblano peppers until their skin is charred. This can be done by placing them directly over a flame on the stovetop or using an oven broiler. Once they are charred, remove them from the heat and let them cool slightly. Once they are cool enough to handle, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop them roughly.
Next, take the bell pepper, remove the seeds and core, and chop it as well. In your blender, combine the poblanos, bell pepper, fresh cilantro, Mexican crema, and cream cheese. Blend everything together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
Once the sauce is blended, pour it into a pan and heat it over medium heat. As the sauce warms, taste it and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. You might want to adjust these seasonings to suit your taste.
When the spaghetti is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the heated sauce. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that all the pasta is well coated with the creamy verde sauce.
Serve your Mexican Green Spaghetti warm, and enjoy a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. Every bite will be filled with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the ingredients you selected.
How to Serve Mexican Green Spaghetti
Serving your Mexican Green Spaghetti can be as simple or elaborate as you choose. Start by placing a generous amount of the spaghetti adorned with the creamy green sauce on your favorite pasta dish. For an extra touch of flavor and presentation, you might consider garnishing your plate with fresh cilantro leaves. This not only adds color but also enhances the herbal notes of the dish.
You can also sprinkle some crumbled cheese, like queso fresco, on top for a salty complement to the creaminess. A few extra slices of roasted bell pepper can add visual appeal and inform your guests about what’s included in the dish. Serve it alongside a light salad or fresh tortillas for a complete meal that showcases the essence of Mexican cuisine.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider pairing it with a side of guacamole or salsa, which can complement the pasta’s richness beautifully. You’ll marvel at how quickly this delightful and distinctive dish becomes a favorite among your family and friends.
Expert Tips: Mexican Green Spaghetti
- Pepper Roasting: Roasting your peppers is the key to maximizing their flavor. Don’t skip this step! The charred skin adds depth and a slight smokiness to the sauce, enhancing the overall dish.
- Cilantro Cleanliness: Ensure your cilantro is fresh and thoroughly washed to remove any dirt. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish, and cilantro adds a lovely brightness to balance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Cream Cheese Texture: When blending, let your cream cheese sit out for a few minutes before combining it with the other ingredients. This will help achieve a smoother sauce without chunks.
- Cooking Pasta Perfectly: Cooking the spaghetti to al dente will ensure your noodles remain firm and don’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.
- Mixing and Tossing: When combining the pasta and the sauce, use tongs for an easy mix. This way, you can ensure each strand of spaghetti is perfectly coated.
How to Store Mexican Green Spaghetti
Storing your Mexican Green Spaghetti properly will help maintain its flavors and textures. Once the dish has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
If you have a large batch, consider dividing it into smaller portions to make reheating more convenient later. To reheat, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of cream or a dollop of Mexican crema when reheating to restore some of the original creaminess of the sauce.
Freezing this dish is also an option! It can be frozen for up to 2 months in a suitable freezer-safe container. Just be mindful that the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing.
Variation of Mexican Green Spaghetti
While the original recipe is delightful as is, don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are a few variations to consider:
- Add Protein: Boost the nutritional value by incorporating grilled chicken, shrimp, or even ground beef. Cook your protein separately and mix it in with the pasta and sauce for a heartier dish.
- Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a jalapeño or serrano pepper to the sauce while blending. This will impart a delightful kick.
- Vegetable Crowd: To enhance the nutrition and flavor profile, add vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or roasted corn. Simply add them to the sauce during blending for a creamy mixture or toss them in with the spaghetti.
- Nutty Flavors: For a nutty twist, consider a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled over the top before serving. This will add flavor and a pleasant crunch to each bite.
- Vegan Alternative: If you’re looking to create a vegan version, replace the cream cheese and Mexican crema with cashew cream or a dairy-free substitute, and select a pasta variety that fits your dietary needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Green Spaghetti
What is Mexican Green Spaghetti?
Mexican Green Spaghetti is a unique pasta dish featuring a creamy sauce made from roasted poblano peppers, bell peppers, and cilantro, combined with cream cheese and Mexican crema, providing rich and bold flavors.
How do I make the sauce for Mexican Green Spaghetti?
To make the sauce, blend roasted poblano peppers, bell peppers, cilantro, Mexican crema, and cream cheese until smooth. Heat it in a pan, season with salt and pepper, and then toss it with cooked spaghetti.
Can I add protein to Mexican Green Spaghetti?
Absolutely! You can add any protein you prefer, such as chicken, shrimp, or ground beef, to make the dish more filling and nutritious.
How do I store leftovers of Mexican Green Spaghetti?
Store any leftover spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of cream for creaminess.
Can I make Mexican Green Spaghetti ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. Combine them right before serving to maintain the integrity of the dish.
Enjoy your culinary adventure as you create this vibrant Mexican Green Spaghetti! Each step brings you closer to mastering this delightful pasta dish that combines tradition with creativity.
Mexican Green Spaghetti
Ingredients
Pasta and Sauce Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti Cook to al dente
- 2 medium poblano peppers Roasted until charred
- 1 piece bell pepper Any color you prefer
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves Thoroughly washed
- 1 cup Mexican crema Can substitute with sour cream if needed
- 4 ounces cream cheese Let sit out for easy blending
- Salt To taste
- Pepper To taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, roast the poblano peppers until their skin is charred over a flame or using an oven broiler.
- Once charred, remove from heat, allow to cool slightly, peel off the skin, remove seeds, and chop roughly.
- Chop the bell pepper after removing its seeds and core.
Blending and Cooking
- In a blender, combine the roasted poblanos, chopped bell pepper, cilantro, Mexican crema, and cream cheese.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended sauce into a pan and heat it over medium heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the spaghetti is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the heated sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly.
Serving
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled cheese and roasted bell pepper slices on top.
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