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
Scale
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.
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
