Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
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This Peruvian classic takes a spin on the Italian pesto sauce. Linguine pasta is enrobed in a luscious green sauce fit for the whole family! In less than 20 minutes, you can get these tasty green noodles to the table. Easy, quick and family friendly? Count us in!
“Tallarines verdes” is a staple dish in Peru which translates to “green noodles” and often gets referred to as the Peruvian pesto.
Though similar to pesto, there are a few differences that make this pasta sauce more mild and creamier than Italian pesto. Like traditional pesto, basil is used in these green noodles, but the majority of the vibrant green color comes from spinach, which has a much lighter flavor.
Queso fresco and evaporated milk add a creamy element and replace the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano in pesto, and walnuts are used in place of pine nuts, giving a hearty texture.
This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients and filled with flavor. The sauce comes together so quickly that it may take even longer to boil the water to make your pasta! So be sure to get that pot going before adding your sauce ingredients to your blender.
Kids will love this dish because of its vibrant color and the ingredients can be tailored to your family’s liking.
Recipe variations
Allergic to walnuts? Replace them with breadcrumbs.
Not into garlic? Use fewer cloves or even switch it with a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Don’t have evaporated milk on hand? Switch it up for cow’s milk or non-dairy milk of your choice.
Can’t find queso fresco? Sub in queso blanco, cotija cheese, mild feta or paneer.
Prefer dairy-free? Use tofu in place of cheese.
Is linguine difficult for your child to eat? Use their favorite pasta noodles instead.
Have extra spinach leftover? Add it to this easy, kid-approved green smoothie recipe.
How to make Peruvian green noodles
Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Add the sauce ingredients to a blender or food processor and process for 1 minute, scraping down the sides as necessary.
Combine sauce with pasta, and add reserved pasta water by the tablespoon if needed to thin out the sauce.
Making green noodles for picky eaters and selective kids
If your kids are skeptical about green foods, they may appreciate helping you make the green pasta sauce. Seeing the individual ingredients transform into one cohesive sauce can be fun for them, and it may make them more interested in trying it out!
Prepare all the ingredients on your counter, and let your child add each one to the blender or food processor. You can also let them turn the processor on and off.
If they’re not ready to touch the sauce ingredients, they may appreciate watching you make it without having to touch the food themselves.
Struggling with picky eating? Read the top pickyeating tips from our team of experts.
How to serve green noodles
This recipe is great served with cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a bright acidic flavor. Garnish the finished pasta with some extra cheese as well.
Serve this with some protein of choice. This simple pasta dish would go great with shrimp, crispy chicken cutlets, or even some roasted or grilled veggies.
For big kids and adults who enjoy some heat in their food, try topping it with some red pepper flakes or calabrian chili paste.
Packing green pasta noodles in a lunchbox
Since this dish is delicious whether served hot or cold, it can be an excellent addition to your child’s lunchbox. No need to use a thermos if your child likes the green pasta noodles cold.
You can try packing it with cherry tomatoes, a few pieces of rolled salami and a hard-boiled egg for added protein. This is a great meal for a bento-style lunchbox if your child likes them.
1lb.linguine or any pasta of choice(W, if whole grain pasta)
2cupsbaby spinach(W)
1cupfresh basil
¾cupqueso frescocubed (can be substituted with queso blanco, cotija cheese, mild feta cheese, paneer or tofu)
3clovesgarlicpeeled (W)
½shallotpeeled (W)
¼cupwalnutscan be substituted with toasted breadcrumbs
¼cupolive oil
¼cupevaporated milkcan be substituted with any dairy or non-dairy milk (W, if regular cow's milk or soy milk)
1tsp.Salt and pepper
½tsp.freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions.
While pasta cooks, in a blender or food processor, add spinach, basil, queso fresco, garlic cloves, shallot, walnuts, olive oil, evaporated milk, salt and pepper. Blend for 1 minute, stopping occasionally to scrape down the slides of the blender, making sure all of the ingredients are fully incorporated. The sauce should appear bright green and smooth.
When pasta is fully cooked, reserve up to ½ cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta well.
Turn off the burner and return the pasta to the pot.
Pour sauce over the pasta and stir until the pasta is well coated. If needed, add starchy pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, to thin the sauce.
Notes
This recipe serves approximately 4 to 6 people.
Garnish the pasta with some extra cheese and serve alongside fresh cherry tomatoes and your favorite protein.
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Ingredients with a “W” next to them are WIC-eligible items. WIC is the supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children in the United States. It provides food to families with pregnant or postpartum women and young children. WIC-eligible items will vary based on location.
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About Kids Eat in Color
Created by experts, Kids Eat in Color is the leading resource for families seeking evidence-based information and strategies on child nutrition and feeding.
Olivia Milana is a Food and Travel Writer. During college, she moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina to reconnect with her cultural heritage, which ignited a passion for international food. Now a mom of 2, Olivia is an avid home cook that loves sharing her passion for fresh homemade food with her family and friends. She loves to inspire her own children to try new foods by utilizing bright colors, different textures, and exciting global flavors. Olivia and her family celebrate their heritage at home with Mediterranean and South American-inspired
fare. She believes all family meals should be affordable, fresh, simple and adventurous.
This free veggie exposure shopping list and menu planner will give you ideas for bringing more veggies into your home (AND help you get your little one closer to eating them!).
This Peruvian classic takes a spin on the Italian pesto sauce. Linguine pasta is enrobed in a luscious green sauce fit for the whole family! In less than 20 minutes, you can get these tasty green noodles to the table. Easy, quick and family friendly? Count us in!
Tallarines verdes
“Tallarines verdes” is a staple dish in Peru which translates to “green noodles” and often gets referred to as the Peruvian pesto.
Though similar to pesto, there are a few differences that make this pasta sauce more mild and creamier than Italian pesto. Like traditional pesto, basil is used in these green noodles, but the majority of the vibrant green color comes from spinach, which has a much lighter flavor.
Queso fresco and evaporated milk add a creamy element and replace the traditional Parmigiano Reggiano in pesto, and walnuts are used in place of pine nuts, giving a hearty texture.
Looking for more easy lunch recipes? Check out our guide to lunches for toddlers, kids and families.
Easy green noodles for kids and families
This dish is incredibly easy to make, packed with nutrients and filled with flavor. The sauce comes together so quickly that it may take even longer to boil the water to make your pasta! So be sure to get that pot going before adding your sauce ingredients to your blender.
Kids will love this dish because of its vibrant color and the ingredients can be tailored to your family’s liking.
Recipe variations
Related: We can help you select the best milk for your toddler if you’re not sure.
Ingredients in this green noodles recipe
Have extra spinach leftover? Add it to this easy, kid-approved green smoothie recipe.
How to make Peruvian green noodles
Making green noodles for picky eaters and selective kids
If your kids are skeptical about green foods, they may appreciate helping you make the green pasta sauce. Seeing the individual ingredients transform into one cohesive sauce can be fun for them, and it may make them more interested in trying it out!
Prepare all the ingredients on your counter, and let your child add each one to the blender or food processor. You can also let them turn the processor on and off.
If they’re not ready to touch the sauce ingredients, they may appreciate watching you make it without having to touch the food themselves.
Struggling with picky eating? Read the top picky eating tips from our team of experts.
How to serve green noodles
This recipe is great served with cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and a bright acidic flavor. Garnish the finished pasta with some extra cheese as well.
Serve this with some protein of choice. This simple pasta dish would go great with shrimp, crispy chicken cutlets, or even some roasted or grilled veggies.
For big kids and adults who enjoy some heat in their food, try topping it with some red pepper flakes or calabrian chili paste.
Packing green pasta noodles in a lunchbox
Since this dish is delicious whether served hot or cold, it can be an excellent addition to your child’s lunchbox. No need to use a thermos if your child likes the green pasta noodles cold.
You can try packing it with cherry tomatoes, a few pieces of rolled salami and a hard-boiled egg for added protein. This is a great meal for a bento-style lunchbox if your child likes them.
Searching for a new lunchbox? Get honest reviews of popular lunchboxes.
How to store green noodle sauce
Have tons of extra basil? Make extra sauce! The prepared sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.
To prepare it from frozen, let it defrost fully, heat it up a bit and you have yourself a quick, homemade meal at your fingertips!
Love stocking your freezer with easy meals? Learn the best way to fill your freezer.
Green Noodles
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition