Espagueti Verde: The Ultimate Creamy Mexican Green Spaghetti with Roasted Poblano & Jalapeño

Discover Espagueti Verde, a beloved Mexican green spaghetti dish featuring a velvety smooth sauce crafted from roasted poblano peppers and a hint of jalapeño. This incredibly creamy pasta is perfect as a vibrant side dish, a satisfying meatless meal, and can be effortlessly adapted to be gluten-free.

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When you think of the rich tapestry of Mexican cuisine, pasta might not be the very first dish that springs to mind. However, the culinary landscape of Mexico is incredibly diverse and includes a delightful array of pasta preparations. From the hearty and comforting fideo soup, often simmering with rich tomato broth, to the refreshing and zesty ensalada de coditos (Mexican macaroni salad), pasta holds a cherished place. Today, we invite you to explore one of the most vibrant, indulgent, and truly satisfying Mexican pasta dishes: Espagueti Verde, affectionately known as Mexican Green Spaghetti. This recipe stands as a testament to the incredible versatility and bold flavor potential that Mexican ingredients bring to the table, transforming a simple plate of pasta into a culinary masterpiece.

Espagueti Verde is far more than just a meal; it’s an experience for the senses. Its lush, verdant green sauce, meticulously crafted from perfectly roasted poblano peppers and brightened with a touch of piquant jalapeño, creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen and a silky texture that gracefully coats every single strand of spaghetti. Whether you are actively seeking a hearty and flavorful vegetarian or meatless option for your upcoming dinner or simply desire a distinctive and memorable side dish to complement your favorite Mexican entrees, this recipe promises to impress even the most discerning palates. Furthermore, it is incredibly adaptable, making it remarkably simple to prepare a genuinely delicious gluten-free version without any compromise on the incredible taste or satisfying texture that defines this dish.

What is Espagueti Verde? A Deep Dive into Mexican Green Spaghetti

At its very core, Espagueti Verde, which translates directly to “green spaghetti,” is a profound celebration of authentic Mexican flavors, generously lavished over tender, perfectly cooked pasta. The defining and most captivating characteristic of this dish is undoubtedly its vibrant, creamy, and intensely flavorful green sauce. This gorgeous, natural green hue is derived predominantly from roasted poblano peppers, which are widely known for their mild to medium heat and their distinct earthy, slightly smoky notes that become wonderfully pronounced and rich when expertly charred.

The luxurious creaminess that elevates this dish to such an irresistible level is skillfully achieved through a masterful combination of premium dairy ingredients. While many traditional recipes for Espagueti Verde might rely solely on milk and heavy cream, this particular version takes the experience a step further by thoughtfully incorporating cream cheese. The cream cheese not only significantly enhances the sauce’s already silken texture but also introduces a subtle yet delightful tanginess. This tangy nuance expertly balances the inherent richness of the roasted peppers and the other decadent dairy components. This exquisite equilibrium of smoky, deeply savory, and bright, tangy flavors, harmoniously coupled with a gentle hint of spice from a perfectly roasted jalapeño, collectively creates a complex yet profoundly comforting flavor profile that is truly addictive and memorable.

Espagueti Verde is cherished as a staple in countless Mexican households, frequently gracing dinner tables during cherished holidays and special family occasions. Despite its festive appeal, it remains straightforward enough to be prepared and enjoyed as a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s a dish that inherently brings people together, offering a unique, deeply satisfying, and authentic taste of the rich Mexican culinary tradition that resonates with warmth and flavor.

Why You’ll Adore This Creamy Mexican Green Spaghetti Recipe

This exquisite Mexican green spaghetti is much more than just a meal; it’s a truly captivating culinary delight that offers a multitude of compelling reasons to fall deeply in love with it. Here’s why Espagueti Verde deserves a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire:

• Unrivaled Creamy Texture: The heart of this dish lies in its sauce, a veritable symphony of rich, premium dairy ingredients. Luxurious heavy cream, velvety cream cheese, and smooth sour cream (or the authentic tang of traditional Mexican crema) are meticulously blended together to forge an unbelievably luscious and silken coating for your pasta. This unparalleled, luxurious texture is precisely what truly sets Espagueti Verde apart from other pasta dishes, ensuring that every single bite is a comforting and deeply satisfying experience.
• Complex and Perfectly Balanced Flavor Profile: While the star poblano peppers generously provide a wonderful, earthy, and smoky base that is deeply appealing, the strategic addition of a perfectly roasted jalapeño elevates the sauce from merely flavorful to wonderfully and subtly exciting. This jalapeño introduces a pleasant, fresh heat and a nuanced depth of flavor that beautifully complements the creamy elements without ever overpowering the delicate roasted pepper notes. It’s a harmonious blend of gentle warmth and vibrant herbaceousness that expertly tantalizes the taste buds, creating an unforgettable culinary impression.
• Effortlessly Adaptable for Gluten-Free Diets: For those individuals navigating dietary restrictions, particularly gluten sensitivities, this Espagueti Verde recipe emerges as an absolute dream come true. The modification is incredibly simple: merely substitute traditional spaghetti with your preferred gluten-free pasta variety, such as a hearty brown rice spaghetti or a robust gluten-free fettuccine. The rich and robust sauce adheres flawlessly to gluten-free noodles, guaranteeing that absolutely everyone can savor this fantastic and flavorful dish without any compromise on taste, texture, or satisfaction.
• Incredibly Versatile – A Fulfilling Meatless Meal or Dynamic Side Dish: Espagueti Verde truly shines in multiple roles, whether served as a robust, standalone meatless main course or as a vibrant, captivating accompaniment to a myriad of other entrees. Its rich, profound flavor and delightfully satisfying texture make it fulfilling enough to stand confidently on its own, offering a delicious and wholesome plant-forward option for any meal. When thoughtfully paired with grilled chicken, a perfectly seared steak, or even delicate seafood, it effortlessly elevates the entire meal, infusing it with its unique and authentic Mexican flair.

For another wonderfully creamy poblano pepper recipe that highlights the versatility of this incredible chile, be sure to check out our comforting Creamy Poblano Soup.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Espagueti Verde

Crafting the perfect Espagueti Verde demands a thoughtful and precise selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Each individual component plays a crucial and integral role in meticulously building the rich, layered flavors and achieving the luxurious, creamy texture that defines this iconic Mexican pasta dish. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

• Poblano Chiles: These large, dark green, heart-shaped peppers are unequivocally the star of our vibrant green sauce. Poblanos are typically characterized by their mild heat, although occasionally, you might encounter one with a surprisingly pleasant kick. The crucial step of roasting them not only softens their fleshy texture but also profoundly intensifies their inherent earthy flavor, imparting a beautiful and fundamental smokiness that is absolutely essential to the authentic taste of Espagueti Verde.
• Jalapeño Pepper: While some more traditional recipes might opt to stick solely to poblanos, the inclusion of a single roasted jalapeño introduces a fantastic additional dimension to the sauce. It brings a vibrant, fresh heat and a welcome depth of flavor that complements the poblano beautifully. You possess the flexibility to adjust the quantity of jalapeño based entirely on your preferred spice level, or even choose to omit it altogether for a delightfully milder version suitable for all palates.
• Onion: A classic and indispensable aromatic, finely diced onion is gently sautéed to create a sweet and savory base, providing an essential foundational layer of flavor upon which the entire sauce is built.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced and then sautéed until they release their intoxicating fragrance, are utterly indispensable for imparting that characteristic pungent, savory depth that is so emblematic of authentic Mexican cuisine.
• Butter: Utilized both to gently sauté the aromatics and to lovingly finish the dish, butter contributes a rich, nutty flavor and a truly silken mouthfeel to the finished sauce, adding an extra touch of indulgence.
• Cream Cheese: This is truly a secret ingredient that profoundly elevates both the creaminess and the flavor profile of the sauce. Cream cheese provides a tangy sweetness and an incredibly smooth, thick texture, rendering the sauce irresistibly luscious and deeply satisfying.
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: Either traditional sour cream or authentic Mexican crema works wonderfully to add yet another layer of tangy creaminess, effectively enhancing the sauce’s body and introducing bright, refreshing notes that cut through the richness.
• Heavy Cream: For the ultimate rich, decadent, and utterly indulgent sauce, heavy cream is undeniably preferred over lighter milk. It is the key to creating a thicker, more luxurious consistency that clings beautifully and perfectly to every single strand of pasta. If you genuinely prefer a slightly lighter sauce, whole milk can be employed, though it will inevitably yield a less profoundly decadent result.
• Chicken Broth: A strategic splash of chicken broth adds a crucial savory depth and expertly helps to achieve the perfect blendable consistency for the sauce without unnecessarily thinning out its robust flavor. For a vegetarian rendition, high-quality vegetable broth can be seamlessly substituted.
• Cilantro: Fresh, vibrant cilantro is blended directly into the sauce, bestowing upon it its characteristic brilliant green color and infusing it with a wonderfully fresh, herbaceous flavor. It is also an absolutely fantastic choice as a garnish, adding a lively pop of freshness and visual appeal to the finished dish.
• Pasta: While the dish proudly bears the name “Espagueti Verde,” you are absolutely welcome to utilize various long pasta shapes, such as elegant fettuccine or broad linguine. We wholeheartedly recommend selecting a high-quality spaghetti that will robustly hold up well to the rich and substantial sauce. For those opting for a gluten-free choice, brown rice spaghetti or fettuccine performs exceptionally well, maintaining excellent texture.
• Queso Fresco: Crumbled queso fresco serves as the ideal, traditional finishing touch. Its mild, delicately salty, and slightly crumbly texture provides a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta, enhancing both the overall flavor experience and the visual presentation of the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: These are the absolutely essential seasonings required to perfectly bring out, enhance, and balance all the fantastic and complex flavors within the sauce, ensuring a perfectly seasoned meal.

How to Prepare Delicious Mexican Green Spaghetti (Espagueti Verde)

Creating this exquisite Espagueti Verde is a surprisingly straightforward culinary process that yields incredibly rewarding and flavorful results. By following these detailed steps, you are guaranteed to achieve a perfect, creamy Mexican green spaghetti every single time, ready to impress your family and friends:

1. Roast the Chiles for Unforgettable Depth of Flavor

• The absolute key to unlocking the rich, smoky, and complex flavor profile of this Espagueti Verde truly begins with perfectly roasted peppers. Take your 4 large poblano chiles and 1 jalapeño, and meticulously roast them until their skins are visibly charred and beautifully blistered. This essential process not only profoundly enhances their inherent flavor but also makes them remarkably easy to peel. For incredibly detailed, step-by-step instructions on precisely how to achieve perfectly roasted chiles with ease, we highly recommend referring to our comprehensive guide on Simple Ways to Roast Green Chiles at Home.
• Once the peppers are roasted and have cooled slightly, carefully peel off the charred skin, remove any seeds, and then precisely dice them. Set these incredibly flavorful pieces aside, as they are crucial for the sauce.

2. Sauté the Aromatics to Build a Fragrant Base

• Begin by finely chopping your onion and mincing your garlic cloves. These classic aromatics are absolutely vital and will form the savory and fragrant foundation upon which your exquisite sauce will be built.
• In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over a steady medium heat. Carefully add the chopped onions and minced garlic, and gently sauté them. Cook these aromatics until they become wonderfully translucent, delightfully soft, and beautifully fragrant, which typically takes approximately 5-7 minutes. It is crucial to be careful not to brown the garlic, as this can unfortunately lead to a bitter taste in your final sauce.

3. Blend All Ingredients to Create the Silky Green Sauce

• Carefully transfer all the following ingredients into a high-speed blender: the full 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of rich sour cream (or the authentic tang of Mexican crema), 1 cup of luxurious heavy cream, and ¼ cup of savory chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option).
• Next, add your perfectly prepared roasted poblanos and jalapeño, along with the sautéed onion and garlic. Incorporate 1 cup of vibrant fresh cilantro, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
• Blend all these wonderful ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and lusciously creamy, ensuring there are absolutely no visible chunks of pepper or onion. The resulting color should be a vibrant, appealing, and inviting shade of green.

4. Cook the Pasta to Achieve Al Dente Perfection

• Bring a very large pot of generously salted water to a vigorous, rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of your chosen spaghetti (or any other long pasta shape you prefer) and cook it precisely according to the package directions until it reaches that ideal al dente stage – perfectly firm to the bite.
• Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, drain it thoroughly, but remember to set aside approximately ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water can be a valuable tool if you need to subtly adjust the consistency of your sauce later.

5. Expertly Assemble the Espagueti Verde

• In a large pan or a wide skillet, melt the remaining two tablespoons of butter over a steady medium heat.
• Carefully pour in the prepared green sauce and allow it to come to a gentle simmer, stirring it occasionally. Let it warm through and deepen its flavors for a few minutes.
• At this crucial stage, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if you deem it necessary. If you find the sauce appears a little too thick for your liking, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.
• Add the perfectly drained spaghetti directly into the simmering, aromatic green sauce. Toss everything thoroughly, ensuring that every single strand of noodle is generously and lovingly coated with the luscious, vibrant green sauce.

6. Serve with Elegance and Garnish with Freshness

• Once thoroughly mixed, transfer the exquisite Espagueti Verde to individual serving plates or a beautiful large serving bowl.
• Garnish generously with a delightful sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco and an extra scattering of freshly diced cilantro for an added touch of both flavor and captivating visual appeal. Serve this incredible dish immediately and savor every delicious bite!

How to Thoughtfully Serve Espagueti Verde

This creamy, verdant pasta dish is remarkably versatile and makes an incredibly delicious and fulfilling meal on its own, particularly for those seeking a satisfying meatless option. Its rich, deep flavor profile and satisfying texture ensure it is hearty enough to confidently stand as a main course. However, it also pairs beautifully and harmoniously as a vibrant side dish with a wide variety of Mexican and even non-Mexican entrees. Here are some fantastic and inspiring serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

• Complement with Chicken: Serve this pasta masterpiece alongside flavorful Pan Seared Cilantro Lime Chicken or tender grilled chicken breast for a wonderfully balanced and complete meal.
• Pair with Pork Creations: Its creamy richness beautifully complements the savory flavors of slow-cooked Shredded Pork or authentic carnitas, creating a truly memorable pairing.
• Delightful Vegetarian Pairings: Espagueti Verde is excellent when served with crispy Potato Patties or simply accompanied by a fresh, crisp green salad for a lighter meal.
• Harmonize with Beef Dishes: It makes a perfect companion to tender Instant Pot Shredded Beef, succulent carne asada, or grilled steak, adding a creamy contrast.
• Explore Seafood Options: Its creamy profile and subtle spice make it a wonderful match for perfectly grilled shrimp, pan-seared salmon, or other mild white fish, creating an elegant and flavorful combination.
• As a Standalone Main Course: For a complete and utterly satisfying vegetarian meal, simply serve Espagueti Verde with a side of warm, freshly made tortillas and perhaps a simple, refreshing avocado salad.

Storing and Reheating Your Mexican Green Spaghetti

Having leftover Espagueti Verde is a true treat, as it often tastes even more delicious the very next day! Proper storage and thoughtful reheating techniques are key to maintaining its exquisite creamy texture and vibrant, fresh flavor:

You can store any leftover pasta, once it has completely cooled, in a meticulously airtight container in your refrigerator for a period of up to 3 days. If you’ve been proactive and made extra sauce separately, that sauce can be safely stored in an airtight container for an extended period of up to 5 days, offering a wonderfully convenient and quick meal prep option for future culinary endeavors.

To reheat the pasta, you might notice that the sauce has thickened slightly in the refrigerator. To effortlessly restore its original creamy consistency, simply stir in 1-2 tablespoons of milk (or even a small amount of chicken broth or water) before beginning the reheating process. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, ensuring you stir it frequently until it is steaming hot throughout. Alternatively, you can warm it in the microwave in short, controlled bursts, stirring conscientiously in between each interval, until it is thoroughly heated. It is important to avoid overheating, as this can unfortunately cause the delicate sauce to separate or become oily.

Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Espagueti Verde

Make your Espagueti Verde truly your own signature dish with these helpful expert tips and exciting creative variations, allowing you to tailor it perfectly to your taste and dietary needs:

• Achieving Gluten-Free Pasta Perfection: We have consistently achieved incredible success and truly amazing results when using gluten-free pasta in this very recipe. For the absolute best texture and optimal sauce adherence, we enthusiastically recommend opting for high-quality brown rice spaghetti or fettuccine. These specific types of gluten-free noodles tend to robustly hold up much better to the rich, creamy sauce without becoming overly mushy or breaking down.
• Customizing the Spice Level to Your Liking: The roasted jalapeño undeniably adds a fantastic depth and a wonderfully gentle kick that we personally adore. However, if you or your family prefer a significantly milder dish, or if you are specifically cooking for young children, you can effortlessly omit the jalapeño entirely. The sauce will still be incredibly flavorful and aromatic from the poblanos and other key ingredients, and rest assured, our own kids absolutely love it this way! For those who crave even more heat, consider adding a finely chopped serrano pepper or a modest pinch of cayenne pepper directly to the blender.
• Cleverly Utilize Any Leftover Sauce: If you happen to find yourself with extra amounts of this magnificent green sauce, do not, under any circumstances, let it go to waste! This incredibly versatile poblano sauce is absolutely fantastic for preparing delicious enchiladas. Simply warm it up gently, dip your tortillas, fill them with your choice of cheese or shredded chicken, roll them up, generously cover them with more of this luscious sauce, and bake until bubbly. It also makes a wonderful and creamy base for authentic chilaquiles or can even serve as a delightful topping for grilled meats or roasted vegetables.
• Exploring Exciting Cheese Variations: While crumbled queso fresco is both traditional and utterly delicious, feel completely free to experiment with other delightful cheese options. Cotija cheese, for instance, offers a noticeably saltier, firmer crumble, providing a different textural contrast. Alternatively, a generous sprinkle of Monterey Jack or Oaxaca cheese can introduce a lovely, gooey melty texture if mixed directly into the hot pasta just before serving, creating a truly comforting experience.
• Incorporating Additional Vegetables: For an extra boost of nutrition, vibrant color, and interesting texture, consider gently stirring in some pre-cooked vegetables into the finished pasta. Sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach (which will wilt beautifully into the sauce), sweet corn kernels, or tender roasted zucchini slices are all fantastic additions that complement the green sauce wonderfully.
• Making it Vegan or Dairy-Free: With just a few simple and thoughtful substitutions, you can very easily adapt this rich recipe to be entirely vegan or dairy-free. Use high-quality vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and substitute all the dairy components with readily available plant-based alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, plant-based sour cream, and a suitable plant-based heavy cream substitute. A dash of nutritional yeast can also be added to impart an extra cheesy, umami flavor.

I sincerely hope you enjoy this rich, creamy, and wonderfully flavorful Espagueti Verde as much as we and our family do!

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More Delicious Side Dish Recipes to Explore

• Sweet Potato and Avocado Salad
• Nopalitos and Roasted Red Pepper Salad
• Roasted Green Chile Guacamole
• Creamy and Cheesy Chile Verde con Queso
• Spicy Guacamole with Roasted Vegetables
• Instant Pot Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Recipe Card: Espagueti Verde (Mexican Green Spaghetti)