Green Chile Cilantro Pesto Sauce Pasta
Elevate your pasta night with this vibrant Green Chile Cilantro Pesto Sauce Pasta recipe, a bold twist on classic pesto! This quick and easy dish combines the zesty freshness of cilantro, the smoky heat of roasted green chiles, and the nutty richness of pine nuts, all blended into a creamy sauce enhanced by Parmesan and a bright squeeze of lime. Perfectly coating your choice of pasta, the pesto is lightened with reserved pasta water for the ultimate silky texture. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is a flavorful fusion of Southwestern-inspired ingredients and Italian comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Garnish with extra Parmesan and cilantro for a stunning finish that’s as delicious as it looks!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz Pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your choice)
- 2 cups Fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 medium Roasted green chiles (mild or hot, depending on preference)
- 2 large Fresh garlic cloves
- 0.25 cup Pine nuts (or substitute with walnuts or sunflower seeds)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 0.33 cup Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Reserved pasta water
- 1 serving Extra cilantro and grated Parmesan (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the green chile cilantro pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro leaves, roasted green chiles (seeds removed for a milder taste), garlic cloves, pine nuts, grated Parmesan cheese, lime juice, salt, and black pepper.
With the processor running, slowly stream in the olive oil until the mixture becomes a smooth and creamy pesto. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even blending.
Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or olive oil, depending on your flavor preference.
Return the drained pasta to the cooking pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the green chile cilantro pesto and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.
Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra cilantro and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy this vibrant and slightly spicy pasta dish with a side salad or crusty bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
411 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.6 g | 28% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 11 mg | 4% | |
| Sodium | 701 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.5 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 2.5 g | ||
| Protein | 11.1 g | 22% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 151 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 196 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
