It was a rainy afternoon when I first decided to give Tallarines Verdes a try—a dish I had only ever read about but never tasted. The moment the vibrant green sauce filled my kitchen with the fresh aroma of basil and spinach, I knew I had struck culinary gold. Within just under 30 minutes, a bowl of silky, creamy Peruvian Green Spaghetti was ready to serve, inviting me to indulge in its velvety richness. Each bite, enhanced by the nuttiness of toasted pecans, brings a sense of comfort that rivals any fast food fix.
This delightful dish is not just about flavors; it’s a perfect canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily adapt the ingredients to match your pantry staples or dietary preferences. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to impress guests, Tallarines Verdes stands out as an easy, crowd-pleasing meal that reflects the beautiful fusion of Italian flavors with a Peruvian twist. Join me in savoring this treasure of homemade goodness, where every forkful becomes a warm embrace for your taste buds!
Why Will You Love Tallarines Verdes?
Simplicity made sensational: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Vibrant color and flavor: The luscious green sauce bursts with fresh basil and spinach, making your plate pop with life.
Versatility at its finest: Easily swap ingredients like cheese or nuts to suit your taste.
Nuts in the mix: The toasted pecans add a delightful nuttiness, elevating this dish above your average pasta.
Crowd-pleaser: A family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds—it’s a guaranteed win at your dinner table!
Tallarines Verdes Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to whip up this delicious Peruvian green spaghetti!
For the Sauce
- Olive Oil – Essential for sautéing garlic and providing a rich base for the sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves) – Adds depth of flavor; minced or puréed works best for even distribution.
- Basil Leaves (30 g) – Provides aromatic herbal notes that brighten the sauce.
- Spinach (250 g) – The star ingredient for creating that luscious green sauce.
- Queso Fresco (160 g) – Creamy cheese that thickens the sauce; can be replaced with firm ricotta or feta.
- Pecans (8) – Adds nuttiness and creaminess to the sauce; feel free to substitute with walnuts for a different flavor.
- Crackers (20 g) – Optional for added texture; used in some households for that extra crunch.
- Milk (180 ml) – Contributes creaminess; choose from evaporated, whole, skimmed, or even non-dairy options.
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavors.
For Serving
- Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle on top for a salty finish that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Dive into making your very own Tallarines Verdes and relish the journey of flavors!
How to Make Tallarines Verdes
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Prepare Spinach: Start by removing any thick stalks and wash your spinach and basil leaves under cool water. It’s important for them to be clean for a fresher taste!
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Sauté Garlic: In a medium pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant; then, remove it from the heat and set aside.
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Cook Greens: In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the cleaned spinach and basil along with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 30 seconds until beautifully wilted and vibrant!
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Blend Sauce: Transfer the wilted greens, sautéed garlic, and remaining sauce ingredients (pecans, queso fresco, crackers, and milk) into a blender. Blitz it until the mixture is smooth and creamy, showcasing that stunning green color.
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Combine with Pasta: Pour the blended sauce into a heated pan over low heat. Add your cooked pasta, tossing everything together. If the sauce appears too thick, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency!
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Serve: Plate your Tallarines Verdes and finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or cubed queso fresco for a delightful touch.
Optional: Add a few fresh basil leaves on top for garnish, elevating the dish’s freshness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Tallarines Verdes are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the green sauce up to 3 days in advance: simply blend the spinach, basil, garlic, queso fresco, pecans, and milk, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning and maintain that vibrant color, ensure that you press plastic wrap against the sauce’s surface before sealing. The cooked pasta can also be made ahead of time and stored separately, allowing you to mix everything together quickly before serving. When ready to enjoy, simply heat the sauce in a pan and combine it with the pasta, ensuring a delicious and fresh meal with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Tallarines Verdes
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Avoid Overcooking: Don’t let the spinach and basil cook too long; it can dull the vibrant green color. Quick wilting is key to preserving freshness!
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Creamy Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you achieve the desired creamy consistency with your Tallarines Verdes.
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Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality cheese like queso fresco significantly enhances the flavor of the sauce. Avoid low-quality alternatives for the best results.
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Nut Substitutes: Feel free to experiment with different nuts like walnuts or almonds, but remember to toast them first for extra flavor!
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Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain its creaminess.
How to Store and Freeze Tallarines Verdes
Fridge: Keep any leftover Tallarines Verdes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For best results, store the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain its creamy texture.
Freezer: You can freeze the green sauce portion for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container, and when ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to revive its creamy consistency. Mix it with newly cooked pasta for a fresh meal!
Tallarines Verdes Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Tallarines Verdes and explore these delicious options for a personalized touch!
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Nut Swap: Trade pecans for walnuts or almonds for different flavor notes while keeping that delightful crunch.
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Cheesy Alternatives: Use ricotta or feta instead of queso fresco for a creamier or tangier sauce, enhancing the dish’s richness.
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Creamy Upgrade: For added decadence, mix in a splash of heavy cream along with the milk to achieve an even silkier sauce.
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Protein Boost: Incorporate chicken or beef Milanese for a heartier meal, or toss in chickpeas for a fabulous vegetarian option.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh parsley or cilantro to the sauce for an aromatic twist, enhancing the flavor profile beautifully.
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Cracker Variety: Experiment with different types of crackers, like Saltines or whole-grain options, for various textures and tastes in the sauce.
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Heat It Up: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick, making the dish excitingly fiery.
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Veggie Lover: Toss in sautéed bell peppers or zucchini for extra color, flavor, and nutrition, creating a vibrant medley in your pasta!
What to Serve with Tallarines Verdes?
Looking to create a memorable meal that pairs beautifully with this vibrant Peruvian green spaghetti?
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Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery flavor complements the creamy sauce, making for an irresistible pairing. A hint of garlic brings harmony to your plate.
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Fresh Side Salad: Tossed greens adorned with a lemon vinaigrette add a crisp, refreshing contrast that balances the richness of Tallarines Verdes.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like zucchini and bell peppers enhance the nutrition and add vibrant colors to your meal. Their caramelized sweetness beautifully complements the pasta.
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy and seasoned chicken breasts provide protein and contrast with the creamy, nutty flavors of the sauce, turning your meal into a satisfying feast.
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Sangria: The fruity, slightly sweet notes of a chilled sangria enhance the dish’s freshness. It’s the perfect drink to bring a festive feel to your dining experience!
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Cheesy Quesadillas: These melty delights can be filled with extra cheese and herbs, offering a delightful texture contrast with the silky pasta. They’re perfect for dipping or enjoying on the side.
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Chocolate Flan: A rich dessert like this delivers a luscious finish to your meal. The flavors of chocolate and caramel are an elegant way to end your culinary journey.
With these suggestions, you’ll create a feast that truly celebrates the delightful essence of Tallarines Verdes!
Tallarines Verdes Recipe FAQs
What kind of spinach should I use for Tallarines Verdes?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach is best for this recipe to create that vibrant green hue and rich flavor. Opt for spinach that’s bright green with no wilting or dark spots. If fresh isn’t available, frozen spinach can work in a pinch, but remember to drain it well before blending.
How do I store leftovers of Tallarines Verdes?
To store your Tallarines Verdes, place any leftovers in an airtight container; they will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s best to store the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain the creamy texture, making reheating much easier!
Can I freeze the sauce for Tallarines Verdes?
Yes! You can freeze the green sauce for up to 3 months. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the sauce overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or reserved pasta water for creaminess.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
Very! If your sauce turns out thicker than desired, simply add a splash of reserved pasta water while stirring over low heat. This will incorporate moisture back into the sauce, ensuring a creamy and luscious consistency—it’s all about making it just right!
Are there any dietary considerations for Tallarines Verdes?
Definitely! If you’re serving this dish to someone with nut allergies, you can easily substitute the pecans with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a similar texture. And for lactose intolerance, replace the queso fresco and milk with dairy-free alternatives, keeping the creamy goodness intact.
Can I use different types of cheese in Tallarines Verdes?
Of course! While queso fresco adds a lovely creaminess, you can substitute it with ricotta or feta cheese for varying flavors and textures. Experiment with what you have on hand to find your perfect combination!
Creamy Tallarines Verdes: Discover Perfect Peruvian Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by removing any thick stalks and wash your spinach and basil leaves under cool water.
- In a medium pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the cleaned spinach and basil along with a pinch of salt. Sauté for about 30 seconds until wilted.
- Transfer the wilted greens, sautéed garlic, and remaining sauce ingredients into a blender. Blitz until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the blended sauce into a heated pan over low heat. Add your cooked pasta, tossing everything together.
- Plate your Tallarines Verdes and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.