Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
If you’ve ever wanted to twirl your fork around a bowl of something bright, bold, and bursting with garden-fresh flavor, this Green Goddess Pasta is your invitation to a vibrant dinner party right at your kitchen table. With a luscious green sauce whipped up from herbs, avocado, and a squeeze of zesty lemon, every bite is creamy, dreamy, and utterly comforting. Imagine velvety noodles tangled in a sauce so vibrant it practically glows, finished with roasted cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness. Whether you’re after a meatless main or simply craving something colorful and soul-nourishing, Green Goddess Pasta delivers radiant flavor in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to gather a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that layer on both taste and color. Each one plays an important role in making your Green Goddess Pasta irresistibly flavorful, creamy, and satisfying—no complicated steps, just pure, honest goodness.
- Basil Leaves: The aromatic heart of the sauce, basil gives a burst of herbal freshness.
- Avocado: For creamy texture without any dairy, avocado brings body and richness to the sauce.
- Spinach: Adding mild earthiness and brilliant color, spinach helps the sauce stay beautifully green.
- Reserved Pasta Water: This starchy liquid is the secret to a silky-smooth, clingy sauce.
- Cashews: Soaked in the sauce, they provide creaminess and a subtle nutty undertone.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens everything and balances the richness with tangy zing.
- Garlic: Four cloves give the sauce a gentle kick and layer in savory depth.
- Nutritional Yeast: This magical flake delivers a cheesy, umami boost (and keeps the pasta vegan and dairy-free).
- Olive Oil: Velvety olive oil binds the sauce together and adds gloss and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: For seasoning to taste; don’t hold back, as a good pinch transforms all the other flavors.
- Spaghetti (or pasta of choice): Your favorite noodles are the perfect vehicle to soak up this gorgeous sauce.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Roasted until bursty and caramelized, they make for a juicy, tangy topping.
How to Make Green Goddess Pasta
Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes
Begin by preheating your oven to 410°F (210°C). Spread cherry tomatoes onto a small baking tray, then season them with salt, pepper, and a glug of olive oil. Toss everything to coat well, and slide the tray into the oven. Let the tomatoes roast for about 20 minutes—they’ll emerge caramelized, sweet, and unbelievably juicy, ready to crown your Green Goddess Pasta.
Step 2: Cook Your Pasta
While the tomatoes work their magic, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your spaghetti or preferred pasta, giving it a gentle stir. Cook until al dente, following the package instructions—you want your noodles to have just the right bite. Before draining, scoop out at least ¾ cup of the pasta water; you’ll use this to create the silkiness in your green goddess sauce.
Step 3: Blend the Green Goddess Sauce
Next, grab your blender or food processor—it’s time to make that glorious green sauce! Combine basil, avocado, spinach, cashews, reserved pasta water, fresh lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, and a generous pinch each of salt and pepper. Blend until everything turns ultra-smooth and creamy, adjusting the consistency with a little more pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce. Taste and tweak as you go; this is your moment to dial in those bold, fresh flavors.
Step 4: Toss Pasta with Sauce
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked and drained, transfer them back into the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour over the green goddess sauce and toss gently until every strand is luxuriously coated in that beautiful green creaminess. Don’t be shy here—a thorough toss ensures every bite sings!
Step 5: Top with Roasted Tomatoes and Serve
Pile your saucy pasta into bowls or onto a serving platter, then shower with the caramelized roasted tomatoes. Sprinkle on some extra cracked black pepper for an extra bit of flavor punch. Right before serving, take a moment to admire those vibrant colors—you’ve just created Green Goddess Pasta perfection.
How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta
Garnishes
To really make your Green Goddess Pasta pop, scatter a few fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or extra nutritional yeast, and a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving. A little fresh lemon zest over the top adds a lovely aroma and a final zing!
Side Dishes
Pair your pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or offer a hunk of crusty bread for swiping up every last bit of that silky sauce. For extra veg, try a platter of roasted asparagus or garlicky broccoli—both are natural companions to the pasta’s bright flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Green Goddess Pasta as a stunning individual nest on each plate, topped with a vibrant tumble of cherry tomatoes. Or, for a family-style vibe, mound it up on a big, colorful platter and let everyone dig in. You can even twirl smaller portions into bowls for an appetizer or toss in extra roasted vegetables to pack even more color and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of water or a drop of olive oil will help loosen it back up when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
While Green Goddess Pasta is best enjoyed fresh for maximum color and flavor, you can freeze the sauce on its own (without the pasta) for up to two months. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, press a layer of plastic wrap against the top, and seal well. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then toss with hot pasta.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant milk to help rehydrate the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through—avoid high heat, as it can dull the sauce’s fresh flavors and color. Alternatively, briefly microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta and follow the same directions. Everything else in the Green Goddess Pasta is naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy the dish without any worries.
Do I need to soak the cashews first?
If you have a high-powered blender or food processor, you can usually get away with blending raw cashews directly into the sauce. For a super-silky texture, though, soak them in hot water for 20–30 minutes before blending—especially if your appliance isn’t a powerhouse.
What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory boost to the sauce, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with a bit of grated parmesan (for a non-vegan option) or simply omit it. The sauce will still be plenty flavorful and creamy.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Definitely! Grilled tofu, chickpeas, or white beans are great plant-based options, while cooked chicken or shrimp work for omnivores. Simply toss your chosen protein in at the end with the pasta and sauce.
How can I keep the green color vibrant?
For the brightest sauce, blend everything quickly and avoid overcooking the pasta once the sauce is added. Also, serve immediately for maximum color—if storing, press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce to help prevent browning.
Final Thoughts
Go ahead and treat yourself to a big bowl of Green Goddess Pasta—you’ll be amazed at how something so simple and plant-powered can feel so special. With its fresh, creamy sauce and bursty tomatoes, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of this Green Goddess Pasta, a delightful dish featuring a creamy avocado-based sauce and roasted cherry tomatoes. This recipe is a perfect balance of freshness and richness that will tantalize your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the Green Goddess Sauce:
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1/2 avocado
- 1 cup spinach
- 3/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 3/4 cup cashews
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 4 cloves garlic
- 3 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Place the cherry tomatoes on a small baking tray, season with salt and pepper, drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes until they’re wonderfully caramelized.
- Cook the spaghetti until al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the green goddess sauce. In a blender, combine basil, avocado, spinach, reserved pasta water, cashews, lemon juice, garlic, nutritional yeast, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Toss cooked pasta with the green goddess sauce.
- Serve pasta topped with roasted cherry tomatoes. Add freshly ground pepper for an extra kick.
- Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Green Goddess Pasta, Avocado Pasta, Vegan Pasta, Pasta Recipe, Cherry Tomatoes
