Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe

Luscious Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe for Dinner Magic

Pasta lovers stumble upon a green goddess pasta that redefines comfort food with vibrant, fresh ingredients.

Verdant herbs dance through silky noodles, creating a masterpiece of flavor and color.

Mediterranean influences weave through each delectable bite, promising a meal that feels both luxurious and nourishing.

Creamy textures mingle with bright, zesty notes that awaken your palate.

Unexpected herb combinations elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Nutritious and indulgent, this recipe invites you to transform a simple meal into a culinary adventure.

Jump in and savor every magnificent forkful!

Green Goddess Pasta Ingredient Guide

Main Green Ingredients:
  • Avocado: Creamy base that provides rich, smooth texture and healthy fats.
  • Basil: Bright, fresh herb that adds classic Italian green flavor.
  • Parsley: Adds fresh, clean herbal notes and vibrant green color.
  • Spinach: Boosts nutrition and contributes to the sauce's green hue.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent depth to the sauce.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds bright acidity to balance the creamy sauce.
  • Nutritional Yeast, Parmesan: Optional ingredients for cheesy, umami flavor.
Liquid and Oil Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients and adds smooth richness.
  • Water: Adjusts sauce consistency and helps blending process.
  • Pasta Water: Helps sauce coat pasta and adds starchy smoothness.
Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: Carrier for the green goddess sauce, can use any shape.

Making Your Green Goddess Pasta Shine

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Toss in your favorite pasta and cook until tender. Before draining, scoop out some pasta water in a small cup. This liquid gold will help make your sauce silky smooth.

Step 2: Blend Magic Green Sauce

Grab your blender and toss in:
  • Ripe avocado
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Parsley sprigs
  • Handful of spinach
  • Garlic cloves
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Water
  • Nutritional yeast or parmesan cheese

Blend everything until it transforms into a luscious, vibrant green sauce. Add water gradually to get the perfect creamy consistency. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Create Delicious Harmony

Pour the emerald sauce over your cooked pasta. Gently toss everything together in the pot or a big mixing bowl. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling to every single noodle, creating a mouthwatering meal that looks as good as it tastes.

Helpful Notes for Green Goddess Pasta Success

  • Blend Smartly: Use a high-powered blender to achieve an ultra-smooth, silky sauce without chunks for a perfectly creamy texture.
  • Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water before draining, as its starchy quality helps the sauce cling better to noodles and creates a more cohesive dish.
  • Customize Your Greens: Swap out herbs based on availability or preference – try arugula, cilantro, or mint to create unique flavor variations of the green goddess sauce.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the sauce in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier and quicker.
  • Dietary Flexibility: For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas directly into the pasta, transforming this into a more substantial meal that suits various dietary needs.

Storage Hacks for Green Goddess Pasta

  • Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate sauce from pasta to prevent soggy noodles.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
  • For best results, consume within 24 hours. The sauce may separate slightly when cold, so give it a good stir before serving.
  • This creamy sauce doesn't freeze well due to avocado's delicate texture, which can become watery and lose its smooth consistency.

Dishes That Complement Green Goddess Pasta

  • Green Goddess Pasta Companions
  • Select a zesty sauvignon blanc with herbaceous notes that mirror the green goddess sauce's fresh herb profile, cutting through the creamy texture while enhancing the green vegetal flavors.
  • Create a light arugula salad with shaved fennel, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts to provide a peppery crunch that balances the pasta's smooth and rich sauce.
  • Top the pasta with grilled lemon-herb chicken or seared salmon to add lean protein and create a more substantial meal that complements the green sauce's bright, tangy essence.
  • Mix cucumber-mint infused sparkling water or a non-alcoholic herbal spritzer to refresh the palate and echo the green goddess sauce's herbaceous undertones.

Ways to Remix Green Goddess Pasta

  • Vegan Protein Powerhouse: Replace parmesan with tofu or tempeh crumbles for added protein. Blend plant-based protein powder into the sauce for extra nutrition.
  • Gluten-Free Garden Green: Swap traditional wheat pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta. Use gluten-free nutritional yeast instead of standard varieties.
  • Spicy Green Kick: Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the blender for a fiery version. Include cayenne pepper or hot sauce to elevate heat levels.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Mix in fresh dill, mint, or oregano alongside existing herbs. Incorporate kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for Mediterranean flair.

Questions About Green Goddess Pasta Answered

  • Is this pasta recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, the Green Goddess Pasta is naturally vegan when using nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese. The creamy texture comes from blending avocado with herbs and greens.

  • Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the green goddess sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.

  • What if I don't have all the fresh herbs?

No worries. You can substitute with dried herbs or use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand. The key is maintaining a balance of green herbs to create the signature sauce flavor.

  • How can I add more protein to this pasta dish?

Try adding grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted edamame directly into the pasta. These plant-based protein sources will complement the herby, creamy sauce perfectly.

Green Goddess Pasta You’ll Want Again and Again

  • Sauce blends effortlessly in minutes, turning ordinary pasta into a vibrant, nutritious meal.
  • Sneaks leafy greens into a creamy sauce that kids and adults will love, packed with hidden vegetables and flavor.
  • Adaptable recipe works for busy families, can be prepared swiftly with minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
  • Transforms traditional pasta dishes by adding nutrient-dense ingredients like avocado and fresh herbs, creating a guilt-free indulgence.
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Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe

Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe


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4.6 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Green goddess pasta brings fresh herbs and luxurious creaminess together in one irresistible dish. Packed with zesty flavors and silky texture, you’ll savor every delightful bite of this quick and elegant Mediterranean-inspired meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Greens:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta of choice (spaghetti, linguine, fusilli, or gluten-free)
  • 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas (optional)

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • ½ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup fresh spinach (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup water (plus more as needed for thinning)

Seasonings and Optional Toppings:

  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
  • Optional toppings: red pepper flakes, extra herbs, or parmesan

Instructions

  1. Fill a spacious cooking vessel with generously salted water and bring to a vigorous boil. Submerge pasta and cook until achieving an al dente texture, periodically testing for doneness. Extract 1/4 cup of starchy liquid before straining the pasta, then set aside.
  2. Transfer avocado, fresh green herbs including basil, parsley, and spinach into a high-powered blending apparatus. Incorporate minced garlic, freshly squeezed citrus juice, extra virgin olive oil, additional liquid, and nutritional enhancement from yeast or aged cheese. Pulverize ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform texture. Adjust liquid incrementally to create ideal sauce viscosity. Season with mineral salt and ground peppercorns to elevate flavor profile.
  3. Position cooked pasta within the original cooking vessel or expansive mixing bowl. Cascade the verdant, creamy sauce over the pasta, gently manipulating to ensure comprehensive coating. If sauce appears slightly dense, introduce reserved starchy liquid to facilitate smoother distribution and enhance overall sauce adherence to pasta strands.

Notes

  • Add extra herbs like chives or tarragon for a more complex flavor profile that elevates the green goddess sauce.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Boost protein by stirring in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu cubes for a more substantial meal.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, knowing the sauce may slightly oxidize and darken but remain delicious.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 10 g
  • Cholesterol: 5 mg
Ethan Miller

Ethan Miller

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

  • Recipe Development and Testing
  • Food Photography and Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Blogging
  • Ingredient Sourcing and Sustainability Practices

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety protocols.

Culinary Institute of the Pacific

  • Program: Certificate in International Cuisine
  • Focus: Exploration of global culinary traditions, flavor profiles, and plating artistry.

Ethan’s culinary journey began in his grandmother’s kitchen, where he first learned to play with flavors and ingredients. With formal training in culinary arts and a deep love for international cuisines, Ethan’s goal is to share the joy of cooking with others.

He believes food is all about creativity and bringing people together, one meal at a time. When he’s not experimenting with new dishes, he enjoys hiking in the Oregon wilderness and discovering fresh, local ingredients.

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