Name: The Best Homemade Green Spaghetti Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 lb (454g) spaghetti• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving• 4 cloves garlic, minced• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped• 1 tsp (5ml) salt• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper

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Imagine a plate of spaghetti so vibrant and flavorful, it transports you to a lush, verdant Italian garden. This homemade green spaghetti recipe is a culinary masterpiece that will delight your senses and leave you craving more. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly al dente noodles, this dish is a true celebration of the fresh, herbal flavors that make Italian cuisine so beloved.

Growing up, I fondly remember my grandmother’s famous green spaghetti, which she would prepare for special family gatherings. The aroma of simmering garlic, fragrant basil, and sharp Parmesan would fill the air, drawing us all to the table in eager anticipation. Each bite was a revelation, the vibrant green hue a testament to the pure, unadulterated ingredients that went into its creation.

Today, I’m thrilled to share my own take on this beloved classic, infusing it with my own unique twist and a few insider tricks to ensure your green spaghetti turns out perfectly every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this truly spectacular dish that’s sure to become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.

🥰 Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe ?

This green spaghetti recipe is a true showstopper, both in terms of flavor and presentation. The rich, creamy sauce is made with a combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and high-quality Parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious blend of savory, aromatic notes. The vibrant green hue comes from the generous use of spinach, which not only adds a stunning visual appeal but also packs a nutritional punch.

What sets this recipe apart is the attention to detail in the preparation process. By gently simmering the sauce and carefully cooking the pasta, you’ll end up with a dish that’s both indulgent and remarkably well-balanced. The texture of the spaghetti is perfectly al dente, while the sauce clings to each strand, creating a truly luxurious mouthfeel.

🛒 Ingredients: Your Shopping List

• 1 lb (454g) spaghetti
• 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
• 4 cups (120g) fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
• 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp (5ml) salt
• 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper

The key ingredients in this recipe are the fresh spinach and the high-quality Parmesan cheese. The spinach provides the vibrant green color and an extra boost of nutrients, while the Parmesan adds a rich, savory depth of flavor to the creamy sauce. Resist the temptation to substitute dried herbs for the fresh ones, as the bright, herbaceous notes are crucial to the overall flavor profile.

📖 Follow These Steps for Flawless Results

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup (240ml) of the cooking water.
Make the Sauce: In a large skillet or saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, spinach, Parmesan, garlic, basil, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is wilted and the cheese has melted, about 5-7 minutes.
Blend the Sauce: Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, blend the sauce until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the blended sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

📊 Estimated Nutritional Profile

Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 4 servings.

• Calories: 655 kcal
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbohydrates: 59 g
• Fat: 39 g
• Fiber: 4 g

🎨 Make It Your Own: Substitutions & Ideas

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free spaghetti or pasta of your choice. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as gluten-free pasta often cooks faster than traditional wheat-based pasta.
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the heavy cream and milk with unsweetened plant-based milk, such as almond or oat milk. Use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative and omit the regular Parmesan. For the protein, you can add roasted or sautéed chickpeas or tofu to the dish.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño pepper along with the other sauce ingredients. The heat will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, herbal flavors.

✨ How to Serve This Dish Like a Pro ?

• Main Course Pairing: Serve the green spaghetti as a main course, accompanied by a fresh, leafy salad and a crusty loaf of garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or almond slivers for a delightful crunch, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for an extra touch of richness.
• Beverage Pairing: This green spaghetti pairs beautifully with a crisp, dry white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, a refreshing lemon-infused sparkling water or a basil-infused iced tea would also be a perfect complement.

🔍 Troubleshooting Common Recipe Issues

• Mistake 1 – Overcrowding the Pan: When making the sauce, be sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can cause the spinach to steam rather than sauté, resulting in a watery, less flavorful sauce. Cook the spinach in batches if necessary, allowing each batch to wilt and release its moisture before adding the next.
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: It’s important to use room-temperature ingredients when making the sauce, as cold milk and cream can cause the sauce to seize up and become grainy. Allow the dairy products to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before starting the recipe.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: This recipe doesn’t require any oven time, but if you’re serving the green spaghetti with a side dish that does need to be baked, be sure to preheat your oven to the correct temperature. This will ensure even cooking and prevent any dishes from turning out undercooked or overcooked.

❄️ Preserve Your Creation: Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover green spaghetti in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the spaghetti to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to reheat, thaw the spaghetti in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat the green spaghetti, place the desired portion in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or pasta cooking water and gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as this can cause the sauce to become dry or rubbery.

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

While you can use frozen spinach in a pinch, I highly recommend using fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture in this recipe. Frozen spinach can sometimes release excess moisture, which can thin out the sauce. If you do use frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before adding it to the sauce.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

To make this green spaghetti more appealing to younger palates, you can try pureeing the sauce until it’s completely smooth and velvety. This will help hide the visible pieces of spinach, while still maintaining the vibrant green color. You can also offer grated Parmesan cheese as a topping, which can help encourage kids to try the dish.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! The green spaghetti sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce, toss with the freshly cooked pasta, and enjoy. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken up a bit in the fridge, so you may need to add a splash of milk or pasta cooking water to thin it out to the desired consistency.

How can I make the sauce extra creamy?

For an even richer, creamier sauce, you can add an extra 1/4 cup (60ml) of heavy cream to the recipe. You can also experiment with using a combination of Parmesan and cream cheese, which will lend a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.

Can I substitute the Parmesan with another cheese?

While Parmesan is the traditional choice for this green spaghetti recipe, you can experiment with other hard, aged cheeses, such as pecorino Romano or Grana Padano. These cheeses will provide a similar savory, nutty flavor profile. Just be mindful that the saltiness of the cheese may vary, so you may need to adjust the amount of salt in the recipe accordingly.

⭐ Final Thoughts on This Amazing Recipe

This green spaghetti recipe is a true celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors. From the rich, creamy sauce to the perfectly al dente noodles, every bite is a delight for the senses. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner party or simply treating your family to a comforting, homemade meal, this dish is sure to impress and delight. So gather your loved ones around the table, pour a glass of crisp white wine, and get ready to savor the best green spaghetti you’ve ever tasted.

Buon appetito!