Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
If you love pasta and crave that bright, herbaceous flavor of classic Green Goddess dressing, let me introduce you to your new favorite weeknight meal: Avocado Green Goddess Pasta. This dish is everything you want for a quick yet show-stopping dinner—creamy, zesty, and loaded with fresh garden herbs—all wrapped up in a gorgeous green sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. Whether you’re serving it warm for comfort or chilled as a picnic-ready salad, Avocado Green Goddess Pasta delivers a spa-like freshness in every single bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is in how every ingredient shines—simple, real foods that work together to create layers of flavor, vivid color, and luscious texture. Picking fresh, high-quality herbs and a perfectly ripe avocado makes all the difference.
- Pasta of Choice (12 ounces): Go with your favorite shape—spaghetti, penne, or fusilli all work beautifully and hold the creamy sauce well.
- Ripe Avocado (1, peeled and pitted): This is the creamy heart of the sauce, giving it a rich, silky texture and vibrant green hue.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1 cup): Basil adds that signature green goddess flavor and ultra-fresh aroma.
- Fresh Parsley Leaves (1/2 cup): Parsley brings an earthy, slightly peppery note that grounds the sauce.
- Chopped Chives (2 tablespoons): For a gentle oniony flavor that doesn’t overpower.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Raw garlic gives the sauce a subtle punch—use more or less to taste.
- Lemon Juice and Zest (from 1 lemon): The backbone of brightness, these lift all the green flavors and keep the sauce lively.
- Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Smooths out the sauce and adds a subtle richness.
- Pasta Cooking Water (1/4 cup, more as needed): This starchy water helps the sauce emulsify and cling to the pasta.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for rounding out the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just a slight peppery kick in the background.
- Optional Toppings: Crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or extra fresh herbs provide texture and added interest (don’t skip if you want to dress things up!).
How to Make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Don’t forget to scoop out and reserve at least half a cup of the pasta cooking water before draining—it’s key for bringing our creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta sauce together.
Step 2: Blend the Green Goddess Sauce
While your pasta is bubbling away, add the avocado, basil, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Pulse until everything starts to come together, then slowly drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water. Blend until the sauce looks super smooth and creamy, adding a bit more water if needed for that luscious, pourable consistency that’s perfect for coating pasta.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer your hot, drained pasta back into the pot (or a large bowl), and pour that glorious, emerald-green sauce over it. Using tongs or a big spoon, toss the pasta and sauce together until every noodle is blanketed in creamy Green Goddess goodness. Add more pasta water as needed to get things extra silky and saucy—taste, and adjust salt and pepper if you’d like.
Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve
The final flourish is all about personalization! Sprinkle on crumbled feta for salty tang, scatter some toasted pine nuts for crunch, or shower with extra herbs to boost that garden-fresh taste. Serve Avocado Green Goddess Pasta immediately while it’s warm and at its creamiest (or chill it if you’re going the pasta salad route).
How to Serve Avocado Green Goddess Pasta
Garnishes
A finishing touch of toppings transforms your Avocado Green Goddess Pasta from simple to stunning. I love crumbled feta for an extra creamy punch, toasted pine nuts for crunch, or a handful of fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and extra aroma. A crack of black pepper or extra lemon zest is wonderful, too!
Side Dishes
This pasta is a star on its own, but it’s also beautifully complemented by light, crisp sides. Think a big leafy green salad, crusty garlic bread, or a platter of oven-roasted vegetables. For a protein boost, add grilled shrimp or chicken if you like—although the pasta is so creamy and satisfying that it hardly needs it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Avocado Green Goddess Pasta family-style in a big, shallow bowl for maximum visual impact—it’s truly a showstopper at dinner parties thanks to its vivid color. For picnic or lunchbox appeal, pack it up chilled, layered in jars with extra toppings. Or fill baked portobello mushrooms with the pasta and bake for a unique, hearty twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is best enjoyed within a day for the freshest flavor and that signature green color. Store cooled pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, and if possible, keep any optional toppings separate until you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
Because the avocado-based sauce is all about that fresh, bright flavor, freezing isn’t recommended—the sauce can lose its beautiful color and the texture gets a bit grainy upon thawing. This one is best eaten fresh or within a day or two at most.
Reheating
You can gently reheat chilled pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil as needed to loosen up the sauce. Keep in mind the sauce is its creamiest right after making, but if you like, enjoy it cold as a leftover pasta salad—still delicious and refreshing!
FAQs
Can I make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta vegan?
Absolutely! The main sauce is completely plant-based. Simply skip the feta or use your favorite plant-based cheese alternative for garnish, and you’ll have a totally vegan Avocado Green Goddess Pasta.
What pasta shape works best with this sauce?
Fusilli, penne, spaghetti, or any noodle with a bit of texture or ridges will hold onto the creamy green sauce especially well—but honestly, use whatever pasta you love most. The Avocado Green Goddess Pasta shines with any variety.
Will the avocado sauce turn brown?
Thanks to the lemon juice and zest, the sauce stays vibrant for several hours. If you plan to store it, keep it tightly covered and eat within a day; a quick press of plastic wrap over the surface helps prevent browning.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While you could use dried in a pinch, the magical, garden-fresh flavor and vivid color of Avocado Green Goddess Pasta really depend on fresh herbs. If you substitute, use smaller amounts, as dried herbs are more concentrated—and consider adding more lemon or zest for brightness.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Definitely! In fact, Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is fantastic as a chilled pasta salad. Just rinse the cooked pasta in cold water, toss with the sauce, and refrigerate for a light and refreshing meal that’s perfect for lunchboxes or picnics.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a fast, fresh take on pasta night, this Avocado Green Goddess Pasta absolutely deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. With its vibrant flavors and creamy texture, it’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to share with friends. Give it a try and let the bright, green goodness win you over!
Print
Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a vibrant and creamy pasta dish with this Avocado Green Goddess Pasta recipe. A luscious blend of ripe avocado, fresh herbs, and zesty lemon, this dish is a perfect fusion of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces pasta of choice
Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 2 cloves garlic
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
- crumbled feta
- toasted pine nuts
- extra fresh herbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving at least 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, basil, parsley, chives, garlic, lemon juice and zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
- Combine and Serve: Toss warm pasta with the sauce until evenly coated, adding more pasta water if needed. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as crumbled feta, toasted pine nuts, or extra herbs.
Notes
- For a chilled pasta salad version, rinse pasta under cold water before mixing with sauce, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
- To make vegan, omit feta or use plant-based cheese.
- This sauce is best made fresh to preserve the vibrant green color.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
