Introduction

This vibrant Green Goddess Pasta Sauce is a fresh, herb-packed twist on traditional pasta sauces. Creamy and tangy, it combines leafy greens, herbs, and avocado to create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal any night of the week.

A white plate holds a small mound of spaghetti pasta coated in a smooth, creamy green sauce. The sauce is thick with a slightly chunky texture, showing bits of green herbs mixed throughout. The noodles are twisted together in the center, creating a round, layered pile with light and dark green shades swirling evenly. The background is a white marbled texture, making the colors of the pasta stand out clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups packed baby spinach
1 cup chopped green cabbage
1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup fresh chives
1/4 cup fresh tarragon (optional)
2 cloves garlic
2 green onions, chopped
1 small avocado, peeled and pitted
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 ounces dried pasta (linguine, spaghetti, or penne)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Prepare the Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine baby spinach, green cabbage, parsley, basil, chives, tarragon (if using), garlic, green onions, avocado, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
Blend the Sauce: Process the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency.
Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, lemon juice, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the hot, drained pasta with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve: Plate immediately and garnish with extra fresh herbs and grated Parmesan if you like.

Tips & Variations

For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and omit Parmesan or use a vegan cheese.
Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and a nutty flavor.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, increase the reserved pasta water gradually until your desired consistency is reached.
Fresh tarragon adds a unique flavor but can be omitted if unavailable; extra basil or parsley will still make a delicious sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled; stir in a little water or olive oil to loosen it before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding reserved pasta water as needed to restore creaminess. Toss pasta freshly with sauce for best results.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white plate filled with a single serving of pasta coated in a creamy green sauce. The pasta strands are long, flat, and slightly twisted, with the green sauce mixed evenly throughout, showing bits of finely chopped herbs or greens. The texture of the sauce looks smooth but slightly chunky with herbs, giving a fresh and vibrant look. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the glossy shine on the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of greens in the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute or add greens like kale, arugula, or Swiss chard to tailor the flavor and nutrient profile, though you may want to blanch tougher greens first for a smoother sauce.

Is this sauce served hot or cold?

This Green Goddess Pasta Sauce is best served warm when tossed with hot pasta, but it can also be chilled and used as a cold pasta dressing or dip.