Spaghetti Verde: A Fresh, Flavorful Twist on Classic Pasta
If you’re looking for a pasta dish that bursts with vibrant color, fresh flavors, and a healthy touch, spaghetti verde is the answer. This green spaghetti is a delightful blend of al dente pasta tossed in a creamy or pesto-style green sauce made from fresh herbs, vegetables, and sometimes avocado or spinach. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, spaghetti verde brings the perfect balance of comfort food and nutritious ingredients.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything about making spaghetti verde — from traditional Mexican-style with poblano peppers to Italian-inspired basil pesto versions — plus tips, variations, and make-ahead ideas.
What is Spaghetti Verde?
Spaghetti verde, which translates to “green spaghetti” in Spanish, is a pasta dish known for its distinctive green sauce. Depending on the recipe, the sauce can be:
- Mexican-Style – Made with roasted poblano peppers, garlic, onions, crema, and sometimes cheese for a smoky, creamy flavor.
- Italian-Style – Made with fresh basil, spinach, parsley, or kale blended with olive oil, nuts, and Parmesan for a bright, herbaceous pesto.
- Healthy Fusion – Incorporates avocado, spinach, zucchini, or other greens for a light yet creamy texture.
What unites these variations is the vivid green color and the way the sauce coats every strand of pasta for a rich, satisfying bite.
Why You’ll Love This Spaghetti Verde Recipe
- Quick and easy – Most spaghetti verde recipes come together in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable – Works with multiple green sauce variations.
- Nutritious – Packed with vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Perfect for gatherings – Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights.
Ingredients for Spaghetti Verde
Here’s a list of ingredients for a Mexican-style spaghetti verde with roasted poblano cream sauce. Later, we’ll explore other versions.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta shape)
- Salt for boiling water
For the Green Sauce
- 4 large poblano peppers
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ white onion
- 1 cup Mexican crema (or sour cream)
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or queso fresco
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Poblano Peppers
- Place poblano peppers directly over a gas flame or under the broiler until the skin is blistered and charred on all sides.
- Transfer to a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 10 minutes to steam. This loosens the skin.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove seeds, and roughly chop the peppers.
2. Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta cooking water.
3. Prepare the Sauce
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
- Transfer onion, garlic, and roasted poblano peppers to a blender.
- Add crema, broth, cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Return cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the green sauce and toss until pasta is evenly coated.
- If needed, add a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or extra cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for the Best Spaghetti Verde
- Char well for flavor – The smoky flavor from roasted poblanos is key to authentic taste.
- Use fresh pasta if possible – It absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Adjust thickness – Add more broth for a looser sauce or extra crema for richer texture.
- Don’t skip pasta water – The starch helps the sauce cling to spaghetti.
Variations of Spaghetti Verde
1. Italian-Style Pesto Spaghetti Verde
- Replace poblanos with fresh basil, spinach, or parsley.
- Blend with garlic, toasted pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan, and olive oil.
- Toss with spaghetti and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Avocado Spaghetti Verde
- Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, cilantro, spinach, and garlic.
- Add a splash of olive oil for smoothness.
- This no-cook version is perfect for summer.
3. Vegan Spaghetti Verde
- Swap crema with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor.
4. Spaghetti Verde with Chicken or Shrimp
- Add grilled chicken strips or sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
- Works great with either Mexican or Italian-style sauce.
What to Serve with Spaghetti Verde
- Garlic bread or crusty baguette for soaking up sauce
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus
- Mexican rice for a fusion meal
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make the sauce ahead – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze the sauce – Poblano cream sauce freezes well for up to 1 month.
- Reheat gently – Warm sauce over low heat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
Nutritional Benefits of Spaghetti Verde
Depending on your ingredients, spaghetti verde can be a nutrient powerhouse:
- Poblanos & greens – Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
- Olive oil & avocado – Provide healthy monounsaturated fats.
- Whole-grain pasta – Adds more fiber and minerals compared to refined pasta.
Common Questions About Spaghetti Verde
1. Is spaghetti verde spicy?
Mexican-style spaghetti verde has a mild heat from poblanos, but you can add jalapeños for extra spice.
2. Can I make spaghetti verde without crema?
Yes — substitute Greek yogurt, coconut milk, or cashew cream.
3. What’s the difference between pesto and spaghetti verde?
Pesto is Italian and herb-based, while spaghetti verde often refers to Mexican green sauce with poblanos.
Final Thoughts
Spaghetti verde is the perfect marriage of color, flavor, and texture — a dish that’s just as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether you prepare it the smoky Mexican way, the herby Italian style, or a creamy avocado version, you’ll have a pasta that impresses both the eyes and the taste buds.
So grab those green ingredients, fire up the stove, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of fresh herbs, roasted peppers, and savory pasta. Once you’ve tasted it, spaghetti verde will become a regular on your dinner table.
