Hey guys! Ever wondered how to whip up a plate of vibrant, delicious green spaghetti? Well, you're in the right place! This recipe is super easy, packed with flavor, and will definitely impress your friends and family. We're going to dive deep into making the perfect espagueti verde, covering everything from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Get ready to transform your kitchen into a little Italian paradise!

What is Espagueti Verde?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what espagueti verde actually is. Espagueti verde, or green spaghetti, is a popular Mexican dish that's loved for its creamy, flavorful sauce made from poblano peppers, cilantro, and other yummy ingredients. It's not just about the color; it's about the unique taste that comes from the blend of fresh herbs and peppers. This dish is a fantastic way to add a bit of excitement to your usual pasta routine. It's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be hooked! The best part? It's surprisingly simple to make, and you can easily customize it to your liking. So, whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen newbie, you'll find this recipe a breeze. Plus, it's a great way to sneak in some extra greens into your diet without sacrificing flavor. Who says healthy can't be delicious? Let's get started and explore the magic of espagueti verde!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's gather our ingredients! Here's what you'll need to make a fantastic batch of espagueti verde. Don't worry, most of these are easy to find at your local grocery store:

• 1 pound of spaghetti: Of course, you can use other types of pasta if you prefer, but spaghetti is the classic choice.
• 2 poblano peppers: These are the star of the show! They give the sauce its signature flavor and color. Make sure they're fresh and firm.
• 1 cup of fresh cilantro: This adds a bright, fresh taste to the sauce. Don't skimp on the cilantro!
• 1/2 cup of Mexican crema or sour cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you can't find Mexican crema, sour cream works just fine.
• 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a salty, savory flavor to the sauce. You can use other types of cheese if you like, such as Romano or Asiago.
• 2 cloves of garlic: Garlic is a must for any good pasta sauce! It adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 onion: Onion adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. You can use white or yellow onion.
• 2 cups of chicken broth: This thins out the sauce and adds flavor. You can also use vegetable broth if you're vegetarian.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don't forget to season your sauce! Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavors.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables. You can use other types of oil if you prefer, such as canola or vegetable oil.
• Optional: Chicken or shrimp: If you want to add some protein to your espagueti verde, chicken or shrimp are great options.

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. It'll make the process much smoother and more enjoyable. Now, let's move on to the fun part: making the sauce!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, guys, let's get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create the most amazing espagueti verde you've ever tasted:

1. Roast the Poblano Peppers: First, wash and dry your poblano peppers. You can roast them in a few ways: directly over a gas stove flame (turning until blackened on all sides), under a broiler in the oven, or on a grill. The goal is to blacken the skin. Once they're blackened, place them in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes. This will steam the peppers and make it easier to peel off the skin.
2. Peel and Seed the Peppers: After the peppers have cooled slightly, peel off the blackened skin. Remove the seeds and veins inside the peppers. This will reduce the heat of the peppers, but if you like it spicy, you can leave some seeds in.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet or pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted poblano peppers, cilantro, Mexican crema (or sour cream), Parmesan cheese, sautéed onion and garlic, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the Pasta: While you're working on the sauce, cook the spaghetti according to the package directions. Make sure to cook it al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
6. Combine Sauce and Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the skillet with the green sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Add Protein (Optional): If you're adding chicken or shrimp, now is the time to do it. Cook the chicken or shrimp separately and then add it to the pasta. Toss to combine.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your espagueti verde hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprig of cilantro. Enjoy this delicious and vibrant dish!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Espagueti Verde

Want to take your espagueti verde to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect dish every time:

• Roast the peppers evenly: Make sure to roast the poblano peppers evenly on all sides. This will ensure that the skin is easy to peel off.
• Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta is mushy and not very appetizing. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
• Adjust the spice level: If you like your espagueti verde spicy, leave some seeds in the poblano peppers. If you prefer it mild, remove all the seeds and veins.
• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Use fresh cilantro, garlic, and onion for the best results.
• Add a squeeze of lime: A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce.
• Garnish with your favorite toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Some great options include crumbled queso fresco, chopped avocado, or a dollop of sour cream.

Variations and Add-ins

The beauty of espagueti verde is that it's so versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking with different variations and add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Creamy Jalapeño Espagueti Verde: Add a jalapeño pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Spinach Espagueti Verde: Add a handful of spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and a vibrant green color.
• Mushroom Espagueti Verde: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a savory, earthy flavor.
• Shrimp Espagueti Verde: Add cooked shrimp to the pasta for a protein-packed meal.
• Chicken Espagueti Verde: Add shredded or diced chicken to the pasta for a hearty and satisfying dish.
• Vegetarian Espagueti Verde: Keep it vegetarian by using vegetable broth and adding your favorite veggies, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or corn.

Serving Suggestions

Espagueti verde is a delicious and satisfying meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic bread: A classic pairing! Garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Side salad: A fresh green salad adds a nice contrast to the rich pasta.
• Grilled vegetables: Grilled vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Mexican rice: Serve your espagueti verde with a side of Mexican rice for a complete meal.
• Black beans: Black beans are a great source of protein and fiber, and they pair well with the flavors of the espagueti verde.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! A super easy and delicious recipe for espagueti verde. I hope you enjoyed this culinary adventure. Now you're all set to impress your family and friends with this vibrant and flavorful dish. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don't be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and toppings. Whether you're a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Happy cooking, and buen provecho!