Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe

Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is a fresh, vibrant dish that’s bursting with herby flavor and plant-powered creaminess. Inspired by the classic green goddess dressing, this pasta is tossed in a luscious sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and either avocado or a creamy base like yogurt or cashews. It’s quick, easy, and the perfect way to sneak more greens into your meal in the most delicious way possible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with fresh herbs and leafy greens
• Naturally creamy without heavy cream
• Can be made vegan and gluten-free
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Light, refreshing, and full of flavor
• Great warm or cold (perfect as pasta salad)
• Versatile—use with your favorite pasta or veggies
• Easy to make ahead for lunches or meal prep
• Healthy yet indulgent
• Beautiful vibrant green color for a stunning plate

Ingredients

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

For the sauce:

• Fresh basil
• Fresh parsley
• Baby spinach or kale
• Garlic cloves
• Avocado (or soaked cashews or plain Greek yogurt)
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• Water or plant-based milk (to blend)
• Nutritional yeast or parmesan (optional)

For the pasta:

• Pasta of choice (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti work great)
• Olive oil (for tossing)
• Optional: sautéed zucchini, peas, or asparagus
• Optional garnish: red chili flakes, extra herbs, or lemon zest

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. While pasta cooks, make the sauce: in a blender or food processor, combine basil, parsley, spinach, avocado (or cashews/yogurt), garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast if using.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding water or milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
4. Return pasta to the pot or a large bowl, add sauce, and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to help the sauce cling.
5. Optional: stir in sautéed veggies like zucchini, peas, or asparagus.
6. Garnish with fresh herbs, red chili flakes, or a sprinkle of lemon zest. Serve warm or chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Total time: approximately 25 minutes

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of avocado for a tangy twist
• Swap spinach for arugula or kale
• Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein
• Try with gluten-free pasta or legume-based noodles
• Stir in chickpeas or white beans for more fiber
• Add a pinch of cayenne or jalapeño for a spicy kick
• Use roasted garlic for deeper flavor
• Turn it into a pasta salad by chilling and adding cherry tomatoes and cucumbers

storage/reheating

Let pasta cool before storing.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Freezer: Not recommended due to the fresh herbs and avocado
• Reheating: Best served fresh or at room temperature. If reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil and warm gently on the stovetop

FAQs

Can I make this vegan?

Yes! Just use avocado or soaked cashews as the base and skip any dairy-based cheese.

What pasta works best?

Short shapes like penne and fusilli hold the sauce well, but spaghetti and linguine also work beautifully.

Can I use frozen greens?

Fresh herbs are best, but you can use thawed frozen spinach in a pinch—just squeeze out excess water.

Is this sauce spicy?

No, it’s herbaceous and tangy. Add red pepper flakes or jalapeño if you want heat.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes—store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add lemon juice to help maintain the green color.

How do I keep the green color vibrant?

Blend in lemon juice and store with plastic wrap pressed to the surface to prevent oxidation.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—parmesan, pecorino, or vegan cheese all pair well.

What protein can I add?

Grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, shrimp, or even lentils work great with this dish.

Is it good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s excellent for prep and tastes great cold or reheated with a splash of water.

Can I serve it cold as a pasta salad?

Yes! It makes a fresh, flavorful pasta salad when served chilled.

Conclusion

Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is the perfect blend of fresh herbs, creamy texture, and feel-good ingredients. Whether you enjoy it warm or chilled, this easy and delicious recipe brings vibrant, healthy energy to your plate. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a green dish you’ll want to make again and again.

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