Save 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 recipe quickly became a favorite at home for its fresh flavors and ease of 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.
Pin it This dish often sparks joyful family dinners with its fresh and comforting flavors shared around the table.
Preparation Time
15 minutes for preparation ensuring quick weeknight meals.
Cooking Time
15 minutes to cook the pasta and blend the sauce perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm topped with extra fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
Pin it This vibrant pasta is a delicious way to enjoy greens any night of the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti, including gluten-free options, cooked al dente for best texture.
- → How do I make the sauce creamy?
Blend avocado, spinach, fresh herbs, plant-based milk, and olive oil until smooth, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- → Can I add toppings?
Yes, spiralized zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds complement the dish nicely.
- → Is this suitable for a nut-free diet?
Replace pine nuts with sunflower seeds and use nut-free plant-based milk to avoid nuts.
- → How long does the preparation take?
Preparation and cooking together take about 30 minutes, making it convenient for busy evenings.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the fresh green flavors beautifully.