Pin Recipe A vibrant, creamy pasta dish featuring a bright green sauce made from spinach, fresh herbs, and avocado. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this plant-based recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
This vibrant green goddess pasta quickly became a favorite in my household, with its fresh flavors and creamy texture making dinner both healthy and delicious.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti & gluten-free if desired), Salt, for pasta water
- Green Goddess Sauce: 100 g (3 cups) fresh baby spinach washed, 1 ripe avocado peeled and pitted, 25 g (1 cup) fresh basil leaves, 10 g (½ cup) fresh parsley leaves, 2 cloves garlic peeled, 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ lemon), 60 ml (¼ cup) extra-virgin olive oil, 120 ml (½ cup) unsweetened plant-based milk (oat soy or almond), 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, ½ teaspoon salt or to taste, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Toppings (optional): 1 small zucchini spiralized or thinly sliced, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, Fresh basil leaves, Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta cooking water then drain pasta and set aside.
- Step 2:
- While the pasta cooks prepare the sauce In a blender or food processor combine spinach avocado basil parsley garlic lemon juice olive oil plant-based milk nutritional yeast salt and pepper Blend until completely smooth and creamy Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
- Step 3:
- Return drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl Pour the green goddess sauce over the pasta and toss gently to coat Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed for a silkier sauce.
- Step 4:
- Serve pasta in bowls Top with zucchini cherry tomatoes toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of black pepper if desired.
Pin Recipe Sharing this pasta with family has been a joy; it’s a recipe that brings everyone together at the table for a nourishing meal.
Nutrition Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 18 g total fat, 54 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein.
Wine Pairing
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the fresh herbal flavors of this dish.
Required Tools
Large pot, blender or food processor, chefs knife, cutting board, colander.
Pin Recipe This vegan green goddess pasta makes a fresh and satisfying meal anytime you crave a creamy plant-based dinner.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best with this dish?
Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are ideal choices. Gluten-free pasta can be used to suit dietary needs.
- → How can I make the sauce creamier?
Blending the sauce ingredients until completely smooth and adding reserved pasta water gradually helps achieve a silky consistency.
- → Are there nut-free alternatives for the toppings?
Yes, toasted sunflower seeds can replace pine nuts to keep it nut-free without sacrificing texture or flavor.
- → Can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
A squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of chili flakes can brighten and add a gentle heat to the sauce.
- → What pairs well as a beverage with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the fresh herbaceous and creamy notes nicely.