Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a bowl of pasta that’s impossibly creamy, herbaceous, and bursting with bright green goodness, this Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is about to become your new best friend. Imagine everything you love about classic green goddess dressing—lush avocado, fresh herbs, tangy yogurt, and a hint of garlic—all spun into a velvety sauce that clings to every twirl of pasta. It’s a weeknight miracle that comes together in just 20 minutes, and the flavor pays you back in spades. Whether you want a light main course, a vibrant side, or a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, Avocado Green Goddess Pasta delivers on all fronts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is how it transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish that feels restaurant-worthy. Each component plays a starring role, contributing color, texture, or a burst of flavor that makes every bite unforgettable.
- Pasta of choice (12 oz): Choose your favorite shape—regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat all work beautifully and soak up the sauce just right.
- Ripe avocado (1): This is the secret to that dreamy, creamy texture and gorgeous green hue.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup): Sweet, peppery basil brings a summery lift to every bite.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup): Adds grassy freshness and a pop of color.
- Fresh chives or green onions (1/4 cup): Mild, oniony flavor for depth and a gentle zing.
- Garlic (1 clove): Just enough to give the sauce its signature punch without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A squeeze of citrus brightens up the whole dish and keeps the avocado vibrant.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all the green goddess flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative (1/3 cup): Makes the sauce ultra-creamy and tangy, with a protein boost.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): For a luscious mouthfeel and extra richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a nutty, savory finish—skip or swap for nutritional yeast to keep it vegan.
- Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup): The secret to loosening the sauce so it coats every noodle perfectly.
How to Make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s just al dente—you want it to have a little bite. Don’t forget to reserve about a quarter cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid will help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency later on. Once drained, set the pasta aside so it’s ready to soak up all those green goddess flavors.
Step 2: Blend the Avocado Green Goddess Sauce
While the pasta cooks, grab your food processor or high-speed blender. Toss in the ripe avocado, basil, parsley, chives (or green onions), garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Blend everything together until it’s ultra-smooth and creamy. With the motor running, drizzle in the olive oil slowly—this helps emulsify the sauce and makes it extra silky. If the sauce feels a bit thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s just right. Stir in the Parmesan cheese if you like, or keep it dairy-free for a vegan version.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Return your cooked pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the avocado green goddess sauce over the noodles and toss until every strand is coated in that gorgeous green creaminess. The sauce will cling beautifully, thanks to the pasta water and olive oil. Serve the Avocado Green Goddess Pasta warm or at room temperature, and get ready for the oohs and ahhs at the table!
How to Serve Avocado Green Goddess Pasta
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Avocado Green Goddess Pasta, don’t skimp on the final flourish! A sprinkle of extra fresh herbs (think basil, parsley, or chives) adds color and a burst of freshness. For a nutty kick, a little more grated Parmesan or a handful of toasted pine nuts is divine. And if you love a touch of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes wakes up every bite.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a showstopper on its own, but it also plays well with others. Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, roasted veggies like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, or even a slice of warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of sauce. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein if you’re looking to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Avocado Green Goddess Pasta into an eye-catching centerpiece by serving it in a shallow bowl topped with edible flowers or microgreens. For a picnic or potluck, portion it into individual cups or jars for grab-and-go convenience. You can even use the sauce as a base for a vibrant pasta salad—just toss with cold pasta and your favorite veggies.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer the Avocado Green Goddess Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The avocado sauce may lose a touch of its vibrant color, but the flavor stays delicious. Give it a quick stir before serving to freshen it up.
Freezing
While freezing the assembled pasta isn’t recommended (the avocado can turn grainy), you can freeze the sauce by itself. Store the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and stir well before tossing with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat Avocado Green Goddess Pasta in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also enjoy it cold or at room temperature, which makes it perfect for meal prep lunches or a quick snack.
FAQs
Can I make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese, or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Which pasta shapes work best with this sauce?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini are excellent because they hold onto the creamy sauce, but spaghetti and linguine are also wonderful for twirling and soaking up every bit of green goddess goodness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge with a piece of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize browning. Give it a good stir before using.
What proteins can I add to make it more filling?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sautéed tofu all make fantastic protein additions. For a vegetarian boost, toss in some chickpeas or white beans, or top with a poached egg.
Is Avocado Green Goddess Pasta good served cold?
It’s delicious both warm and cold! Cold pasta is perfect for hot days, meal prep, or as a refreshing pasta salad packed with flavor and creaminess.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Avocado Green Goddess Pasta, now’s the time to dive in! It’s quick, vibrant, and irresistibly creamy—perfect for impressing guests or just treating yourself to something special at home. I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!
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Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is a creamy, herb-packed pasta dish that combines ripe avocado, fresh basil, parsley, and chives to create a vibrant green sauce. This healthy and vegetarian-friendly recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be easily adapted for vegan diets. With a smooth sauce made from avocado, Greek yogurt, and olive oil, tossed with your choice of pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese, it offers a fresh and flavorful meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz pasta of choice (regular, gluten-free, or whole wheat)
For the Green Goddess Sauce
- 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onions
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternative
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the green goddess sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, basil, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Greek yogurt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add olive oil and adjust consistency: With the blender or processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce is fully incorporated and creamy. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency if needed.
- Incorporate cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using to add a savory depth and creaminess to the sauce.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Pour the green goddess sauce over the cooked pasta and toss well to evenly coat the noodles.
- Serve: Serve the pasta warm or at room temperature, garnished with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired for added flavor.
Notes
- This sauce also works well as a dip or a sandwich spread for versatility beyond pasta.
- For a vegan version, use a plant-based yogurt and either skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
- Enhance the meal by adding roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
