Mexican Chicken with Green Spaghetti: A Creamy and Bold Take on Classic Pasta
Mexican green spaghetti with chicken is the ideal recipe to attempt if you’re sick of the same old pasta recipes and want to add some variation. Tender chicken and substantial spaghetti are combined with the rich flavors of Mexican green sauce, a spicy, acidic salsa verde. The end product is a hearty and colorful blend of Italian pasta and Mexican ingredients.
Everything you need to know to prepare this delicious dish—from its distinctive green sauce to the ideal chicken to serve with pasta—will be covered in this blog. Regardless of your level of experience with Mexican-inspired pasta recipes, Mexican green spaghetti with chicken will swiftly become a favorite!
What is Chicken with Mexican Green Spaghetti?
A common comfort food in Mexico is Mexican green spaghetti, also known as espaguetis verdes. Traditionally, spaghetti is tossed in a zesty salsa verde, a green sauce composed of cilantro, tomatillos, and additional fresh herbs and spices. The meal becomes substantial and satisfying when combined with chicken, which makes it ideal for a special occasion or as a weeknight supper.
This dish is distinguished by its salsa verde foundation. In contrast to conventional pasta sauces, which are made with cream or tomato, salsa verde adds a mild, herbaceous, and slightly acidic taste that complements the chicken and spaghetti perfectly. Mexican spices permeate every bite as the pasta absorbs the salsa.
Here’s a Recipe Card for Mexican Green Spaghetti with Chicken:
| Recipe Name | Mexican Green Spaghetti with Chicken |
|---|---|
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Spaghetti (or pasta of choice) | 400g (14oz) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced | 2 medium |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Tomatillos | 3-4 medium, husked and chopped |
| Fresh cilantro | 1 cup |
| Jalapeños | 1-2 (adjust to heat preference) |
| Onion | 1 medium, chopped |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Lime juice | 1 lime, freshly squeezed |
| Queso fresco or cotija cheese | Crumbled, for garnish |
| Fresh cilantro | For garnish |
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water. |
| 2 | Cook the Chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside. |
| 3 | Prepare the Salsa Verde: In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, onion, garlic, and lime juice. Add the chicken broth and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. |
| 4 | Sauté the Salsa Verde: In the same skillet, pour in the salsa verde and simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. |
| 5 | Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Salsa: Add the cooked spaghetti and chicken to the skillet with the salsa verde. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. |
| 6 | Serve: Serve hot, garnished with crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy! |
Notes:
- Protein Options: You can substitute chicken with shrimp, grilled steak, or even vegetarian options like tofu or black beans.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeños depending on your spice tolerance. For a milder version, reduce the jalapeños or remove the seeds.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier version, add sour cream or heavy cream to the salsa verde before mixing with the pasta.
Enjoy your Mexican Green Spaghetti with Chicken—a vibrant, flavorful, and unique fusion dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Essential Components of Chicken and Mexican Green Spaghetti
For the Pasta: – Spaghetti:
This meal is a great use for traditional pasta, but you may use any pasta you choose, including fettuccine, penne, or even fussili.
Regarding the salsa verde:
Tomatillos: These little green fruits serve as the salsa verde’s foundation and give it a tangy, slightly lemony taste.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives the salsa a unique, fragrant taste.
Jalapeños: To add a little spiciness. Adapt the amount to your preferred level of spice.
Garlic: Gives the green sauce more flavor and depth.
Onion: Gives the salsa richness and sweetness.
Lime Juice: To counterbalance the sauce’s richness with a sharp acidity.
Chicken Broth: To add richness and thin out the salsa.
Regarding the Chicken:
Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The finest options for this meal are chicken breasts or thighs, which can be cooked whole or sliced into strips. While chicken breasts offer a leaner alternative, chicken thighs are somewhat more juicy.
To season the chicken, use salt and pepper.
Olive Oil: Used to cook the poultry.
Recipe for Chicken and Mexican Green Spaghetti
Components: – 400g (14 oz) of spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
Olive oil (for frying chicken): 2 tablespoons
Sliced or cubed, two chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper to taste
Three to four husked and chopped tomatillos; one cup of fresh cilantro
One or two jalapeños (optional; tailor to your preferred level of heat)
One cup of chicken broth; three minced cloves of garlic; and one medium onion
A single lime‘s juice
Half a cup of cotija cheese or queso fresco (optional, for garnish)
Cilantro fresh (for garnish)
Reasons to Enjoy Chicken with Mexican Green Spaghetti
Bursting with Flavor: A refreshing change from traditional pasta sauces, the salsa verde adds a crisp, acidic, and somewhat spicy flavor. Tomatillos, cilantro, and lime combine to provide a vibrant and robust sauce that goes well with the pasta and chicken.
- A Hearty Meal The spaghetti provides the ideal foundation for the fragrant green sauce, and the addition of tender chicken makes this dish gratifying and hearty. It’s a terrific way to mix a protein-rich lunch with a comfortable pasta dish.
- Customizable Spice: One of the best things about Mexican green spaghetti is that you can alter the spice level to fit your preferences. You can adjust the quantity of jalapeños in the salsa verde to your preferred level of heat, whether it’s mild or spicy.
- Fusion of Mexican and Italian Flavors: This dish masterfully blends the finest flavors of two cuisines, Italian spaghetti and Mexican salsa verde, to create a genuinely distinctive and flavorful dining experience.
- Quick and Easy: Mexican green spaghetti with chicken is a great choice for hectic weeknights or informal get-togethers since, despite its rich flavors, it only takes 30 to 40 minutes to prepare.
Different Takes on Chicken and Mexican Green Spaghetti
- Add Vegetables To give the meal more texture and nutrients, you can add some sautéed zucchini, bell peppers, or corn.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a tasty vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add additional veggies, or substitute black beans or tofu for the protein.
- Use Other Meats: For an alternative protein choice that goes well with the tart salsa verde, consider using grilled steak or shrimp in instead of the chicken.
Concluding Remarks
This dish, Mexican green spaghetti with chicken, is ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with strong, savory, and slightly spicy pasta recipes. The salsa verde, which is made with tomatillos, cilantro, and jalapeños, turns ordinary spaghetti into a flavorful, soothing, and fulfilling Mexican-inspired dish.
Whether you’re preparing this meal for a formal gathering or a weeknight dinner, your family and guests will be impressed with the juicy chicken, fresh herbs, and the zesty green sauce. It’s a delicious blend of Mexican and Italian tastes that’s easy to prepare and will quickly become a mainstay in your repertoire.
Try the Mexican green spaghetti with chicken the next time you’re craving something different and tasty; it’s sure to become a favorite!
