Vegan Green Goddess Pasta

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 pasta quickly became a favorite in my household for its fresh flavors and simple preparation.

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

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Preparing this dish often leads to happy family dinners filled with compliments and requests for seconds.

Required Tools

Large pot Blender or food processor Chefs knife Cutting board Colander

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (unless gluten-free pasta is used) nuts (if pine nuts or almond milk are used) For nut-free and gluten-free options use sunflower seeds and gluten-free pasta Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens

Nutritional Information

Calories 420 Total Fat 18 g Carbohydrates 54 g Protein 10 g per serving

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This green goddess pasta is a delicious way to enjoy your daily greens while savoring a creamy vegan meal.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti are excellent choices. Gluten-free options can be used if preferred, maintaining the dish's texture.

→ How can I make the sauce creamier?

Blending ripe avocado with fresh spinach and adding reserved pasta water gradually creates a smooth, creamy consistency without dairy.

→ Are there any nut-free variations?

Yes, switching pine nuts for toasted sunflower seeds and using nut-free plant-based milk ensures the dish is nut-free friendly.

→ What herbs enhance the green sauce flavor?

Fresh basil and parsley contribute bright, aromatic notes that balance the richness of avocado and spinach.

→ Can I add extra toppings for texture?

Absolutely—spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and toasted seeds offer freshness and crunch to complement the creamy pasta.

→ What wine pairs well with this pasta?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the herbaceous and creamy elements of the dish.