Herb-Packed Green Goddess Pasta

This Herb-Packed Green Goddess Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish that combines the bold flavors of herbs and leafy greens with a luscious, creamy sauce. Inspired by the classic green goddess dressing, this recipe elevates your pasta game with a plant-based twist. The sauce—made from fresh basil, parsley, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, and either avocado or a creamy alternative like yogurt or cashews—is both light and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even as a cold pasta salad, this dish is quick, easy, and packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a standout option for any meal. Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Bursting with fresh herbs and leafy greens for a nutrient-packed dish.
• Naturally creamy without relying on heavy cream, making it lighter yet satisfying.
• Fully customizable—vegan, gluten-free, and adaptable to your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
• Light, refreshing, and full of herbaceous flavor with a hint of tanginess.
• Equally delicious served warm or chilled, making it ideal for pasta salads.
• Versatile enough to pair with your choice of pasta, vegetables, or protein additions.
• A stunning green color that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado (or soaked cashews or plain Greek yogurt for variations)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup baby spinach or kale
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup water (plus more as needed for thinning)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the pasta:

• 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or gluten-free options)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas (optional, for extra greens)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Optional toppings:

• Red chili flakes for a touch of heat
• Extra fresh herbs for garnish
• Lemon zest for brightness
• Grated parmesan or vegan cheese for added richness

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Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside. The starchy pasta water will help bind the sauce to the noodles later.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, basil, parsley, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, and nutritional yeast or parmesan (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more water a tablespoon at a time if needed to achieve your desired consistency. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. The result should be a vibrant, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Return the cooked pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the green goddess sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it adhere to the noodles. For added nutrition, stir in steamed vegetables like broccoli, peas, or asparagus.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish the dish with optional toppings such as red chili flakes, extra fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of lemon zest. For an indulgent touch, add a dusting of grated parmesan or vegan cheese. Serve the pasta warm for a comforting meal or chilled for a refreshing pasta salad.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

• Total time: Approximately 25 minutes
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Creamy base alternatives: Swap avocado for soaked cashews or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Greens swaps: Use arugula or kale instead of spinach for a peppery or earthy flavor.
• Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, shrimp, or lentils for a heartier dish.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free pasta or legume-based noodles for a protein-packed alternative.
• Veggie additions: Stir in chickpeas, white beans, or roasted zucchini for extra fiber and texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a jalapeño for a spicy kick.
• Roasted garlic: Use roasted garlic instead of raw for a deeper, sweeter flavor.
• Pasta salad style: Chill the dish and mix in cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for a refreshing pasta salad.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent oxidation and maintain its vibrant green color.
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the fresh herbs and avocado, which may lose their texture and color when frozen.
• Reheating tips: Best served fresh or at room temperature. If reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to refresh the sauce and gently warm it on the stovetop.

FAQs

1. Can I make this vegan?
   Absolutely! Use avocado or soaked cashews as the base and skip any dairy-based cheese. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor without animal products.
2. What type of pasta works best?
   Short shapes like penne and fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti and linguine also work beautifully. Gluten-free or legume-based pasta are great options for dietary needs.
3. Can I use frozen greens?
   While fresh herbs are ideal, you can use thawed frozen spinach in a pinch—just squeeze out excess water before blending.
4. Is this sauce spicy?
   No, the sauce is herbaceous and tangy. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño if you prefer some heat.
5. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Adding extra lemon juice helps preserve the vibrant green color.
6. How do I keep the green color vibrant?
   Blend in plenty of lemon juice and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize exposure to air, which can cause browning.
7. Can I add cheese?
   Definitely! Parmesan, pecorino, or vegan cheese all pair wonderfully with this dish.
8. What protein pairs well with this dish?
   Grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, shrimp, or lentils are excellent choices to make the dish more filling.
9. Is it good for meal prep?
   Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep and tastes great cold or reheated with a splash of water or olive oil.
10. Can I serve it cold as a pasta salad?
    Absolutely! Chilled, it makes a fresh and flavorful pasta salad perfect for picnics or lunchboxes.

Conclusion

This Herb-Packed Green Goddess Pasta is the ultimate blend of fresh ingredients, creamy texture, and feel-good flavors. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s a dish that brings vibrant, healthy energy to your plate with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction. Packed with nutrients and customizable to suit your preferences, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or entertaining, this dish proves that healthy eating can be both delicious and beautiful.

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This Herb-Packed Green Goddess Pasta is a fresh, vibrant twist on comfort food. Packed with leafy greens, herbs, and a silky avocado-based sauce, it’s light yet rich and totally satisfying. The sauce blends in seconds, and the whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick, wholesome weeknight dinner!

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Recipe Card

Ingredients
(Scale: 1x | 2x | 3x)

For the sauce:

• 1 ripe avocado (or soaked cashews or plain Greek yogurt)
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup fresh parsley
• ¼ cup baby spinach or kale
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ¼ cup water (plus more as needed for thinning)
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated parmesan (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the pasta:

• 12 oz pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or gluten-free options)
• 1 cup steamed broccoli or peas (optional, for extra greens)
• ¼ cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Optional toppings:

• Red chili flakes
• Extra fresh herbs
• Lemon zest
• Grated parmesan or vegan cheese

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
2. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil, parsley, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, water, and nutritional yeast or parmesan (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Add more water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Return the cooked pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the green goddess sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
4. Stir in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas if desired. Garnish with optional toppings such as red chili flakes, extra herbs, or lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Best enjoyed fresh since the avocado sauce can brown over time.
• Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free friendly.

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