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!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Taste the pesto and adjust seasoning if needed. Add more salt, lime juice, or olive oil, depending on your flavor preference.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra cilantro and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 7

Enjoy this vibrant and slightly spicy pasta dish with a side salad or crusty bread!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1235.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1649.1

Total Fat 115.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 21.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 41mg	0%
Sodium 3203.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 129.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.3g	0%
Total Sugars 7.9g
Protein 48.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 753.1mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 1687.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.3%

Protein: 11.2%

Carbs: 29.6%