A tantalizing aroma wafts through the kitchen as the vibrant green sauce simmers on the stove, enveloping perfectly cooked spaghetti in a creamy embrace. Creamy Mexican Green Spaghetti is a delightful twist on traditional pasta, combining roasted poblano peppers and rich cream cheese for a dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. The best part? Its unique flavors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and simply toss it with freshly cooked spaghetti when you’re ready to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The roasted poblano peppers add a smoky depth of flavor.
- Cream cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that clings to each strand of spaghetti.
- Quick cook time makes it ideal for busy evenings.
- It’s a customizable dish that allows for spice levels to suit your taste.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients to make this flavorful pasta dish.
For the Pasta
- 1 pound dry spaghetti
- Salt, to taste
For the Sauce
- 4 poblano peppers (roasted; see below for instructions)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (chopped; about 1/4 cup)
- 1 jalapeño pepper or serrano pepper (stemmed, seeded, and chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 1 small bunch of cilantro
- 8 ounces sour cream or crema Mexicana
- 1 teaspoon chicken or vegetable bouillon granules or 1 bouillon cube
- 2/3 to 1 cup milk or half and half
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into small cubes)
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Chopped cilantro
- Crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- Pepitas
Substitute half and half with milk if desired.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Spiralized zucchini for a low-carb option.
- Add more garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Replace peppers with roasted red peppers for a milder sauce.
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your creamy pasta dish.
Boil the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package directions, until al dente.
Reserve pasta water
Just before draining, remove 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the spaghetti.
Sauté the vegetables
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and jalapeño pepper (or Serrano) and sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and spinach
Stir in the minced garlic and baby spinach. Cook, tossing with kitchen tongs, until the spinach starts to wilt, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Blend the sauce
Transfer the spinach mixture to a blender. Add the roasted peppers, cilantro, sour cream, chicken bouillon, and 2/3 cup of milk or half and half, then process until smooth and creamy. Add more milk if needed for desired consistency.
Heat the sauce
Transfer the poblano pepper mixture to the same pot you used to cook the pasta. Heat over medium-low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring as needed.
Incorporate cream cheese
Add half of the cream cheese and stir until it melts. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese. Lower the heat and simmer for about 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.
Combine pasta and sauce
Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce and toss to combine. Add some of the reserved pasta cooking water if needed to make the sauce creamy. Serve garnished with chopped cilantro, crumbled cheese, and pepitas if desired.
How to Store It
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: No, the cream sauce may separate.
Reheat: Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh, ripe poblano peppers for the best flavor.
- Balance the spice by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or serrano pepper.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened for easy incorporation into the sauce.
- Toss the pasta with the sauce just before serving to keep it fresh.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.
- Enjoy with a chilled white wine for a perfect dinner experience.
