Green spaghetti is a unique and visually striking pasta dish that packs a punch when it comes to flavor. The combination of fresh greens, such as spinach and basil, mixed with creamy ingredients creates a sauce that’s both rich and refreshing. Whether you’re craving a vibrant new twist on classic pasta or looking for a nutritious and flavorful meal, green spaghetti delivers.
Originating from Peruvian cuisine, which is known for its bold, herbaceous sauce, green spaghetti has evolved into a versatile recipe that can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences. In this guide, we’ll dive into a step-by-step green spaghetti recipe that you can make in no time, whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. We’ll also explore different variations, tips for making it your own, and more!
Get ready to discover the magic of green spaghetti and why it’s quickly becoming a favorite dish in kitchens around the world.
Recipe Overview: Time, Servings, and Calories
Prep Time: 🕒 15 minutes
Cook Time: 🕒 20 minutes
Total Time: 🕒 35 minutes
Servings: 🍴 4 servings
Calories: 🔥 380 kcal per serving
Ingredients for green spaghetti
- 🥬 2 cups fresh spinach
- 🌿 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 🧄 3 garlic cloves
- 🧅 1 small onion, diced
- 🧀 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 🥛 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 🌽 1/4 cup olive oil
- 🍋 Juice of 1 lemon
- 🍝 12 ounces spaghetti (or your choice of pasta)
- 🌶️ 1 small green chili (optional, for heat)
- 🧂 Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Green Spaghetti
Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions. For al dente pasta, check for doneness around 8–10 minutes. Make sure to reserve one cup of water for the pasta before draining the pasta. This will help you adjust the consistency of your sauce later on. Once done! Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Green Sauce
- In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté them for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step is key to releasing the flavors that will form the base of your sauce.
- Add the spinach and basil to the skillet. Stir them around until the spinach wilts and the basil becomes fragrant—this should take about 2 minutes. You can also add a small green chili at this stage if you like a little heat in your dish.
- Once the greens have wilted, transfer everything to a blender. Add the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and lemon juice, followed by a splash of the reserved pasta water. Blend the ingredients on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. The green sauce should be vibrant and slightly thick.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained spaghetti to the pot. Pour the creamy green sauce over the pasta and toss it gently, making sure that the noodles are evenly coated. The heat from the pasta will help the sauce absorb into the noodles, creating a creamy and flavorful coating. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a little more of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 4: Serve a green spaghetti
Plate the green spaghetti, and if desired, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the vibrant, creamy goodness of your green spaghetti!
Notes
- Vegan Option: For a dairy-free or vegan green spaghetti, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or any plant-based cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
- Protein Add-ins: For those looking to make the meal more filling, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a poached egg can be added to the dish.
- Spice Level: If you like things spicy, you can add more green chilies or even sprinkle some chili flakes into the sauce to amp up the heat.
Nutrition Information
- 🥬 Calories: 380 kcal per serving
- 🥬 Carbohydrates: 48g
- 🥬 Protein: 10g
- 🥬 Fat: 15g
- 🥬 Fiber: 4g
Why You’ll Love a green spaghetti
- Quick and Easy: Green spaghetti is an ideal dish for busy weeknights or meal prepping for the week ahead. With just 35 minutes to prepare and cook, you can have a flavorful, creamy dish ready in no time.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with fresh spinach and basil, this green spaghetti provides a boost of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber while being satisfying and creamy without being heavy.
- Customizable: Whether you’re following a gluten-free, vegan, or keto diet, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your needs. You can even add your favorite protein or experiment with different herbs and spices to make it your own.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Spinach and Basil: These are the two primary greens in the green spaghetti sauce. You can easily swap spinach for kale or arugula if you want a slightly different flavor profile. Basil can also be replaced with parsley or cilantro, depending on your preference.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a rich umami flavor to the green sauce, but you can substitute it with a dairy-free option like nutritional yeast if you’re following a vegan diet.
- Heavy Cream: The creaminess of the sauce comes from heavy cream, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with coconut milk, almond milk, or even a plant-based cream.
Detailed Explanation of Each Major Step
- Sautéing the Aromatics: Sautéing onion and garlic in olive oil builds the foundational flavor of the dish. Don’t skip this step! These ingredients give depth to the sauce and help bring out the natural sweetness of the spinach and basil.
- Blending the Greens: The key to the smooth, creamy sauce is blending the sautéed greens with the cream and Parmesan. Using a high-speed blender is recommended for achieving a velvety texture. Make sure everything is fully blended for a lump-free sauce!
- Tossing the Pasta: Adding the sauce to hot pasta ensures the noodles absorb the flavors, making each bite delicious. Be sure to save some pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce if it gets too thick.
Expert Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Greens: While spinach and basil are easy to cook, it’s important not to overdo it. Overcooking them can result in a dull, brownish color and less fresh flavor.
- Use Pasta Water Wisely: The reserved pasta water is a magical ingredient that helps the sauce come together. It’s full of starch, which helps thicken the sauce and helps it stick to the pasta.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick after blending, just add small amounts of pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Green Spaghetti: Simply swap out regular pasta for a gluten-free version. Options like rice noodles, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta work well with this recipe.
- Extra Protein: Add grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even crispy tofu for a protein-packed dish. These additions will elevate the meal and make it more satisfying.
- Flavor Twists: Want a unique twist? Add some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a more complex flavor. For a tangy kick, incorporate a tablespoon of capers.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: This green spaghetti can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce will keep its rich texture, though the pasta may absorb more of the sauce as it sits.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or more cream if needed to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Best Serving Practices
Green spaghetti pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:
- Side Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
- Garlic Bread: No pasta meal is complete without garlic bread! The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is green spaghetti ?
Green spaghetti is a flavorful pasta dish coated in a vibrant green sauce made from fresh spinach, basil, Parmesan cheese, and cream. It’s known for its smooth texture and rich, fresh flavor.
How do you make green spaghetti from scratch?
Making green spaghetti is easy. First, cook your pasta. Then, sauté garlic, onion, and greens in olive oil, blend with cream and Parmesan cheese and toss with the cooked pasta for a delicious and creamy green sauce.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this green spaghetti recipe, try these other quick meals:
- The Hot Dog on a Stick recipe
- Or explore more tasty ideas on the Meals & Munchies page.
Conclusion
Green spaghetti is not only a visually stunning dish but also a flavorful and nutritious meal that will please any pasta lover. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick preparation process, it’s a dish that anyone can make. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, green spaghetti is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your pasta and get ready to enjoy the magic of green spaghetti today!
1 thought on “Healthy Green Spaghetti Recipe That Everyone Will Love”