Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe (Vegan)

This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is everything you want in a quick, feel-good meal—vibrantly green, luxuriously creamy, and bursting with herby, zesty flavors. The sauce is a beautiful blend of avocado, fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon, all swirled together into silky perfection without a drop of dairy. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a dream for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike. Whether you’re plant-based or just looking to add more veggies to your plate, this pasta is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Fuss-Free: From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in 25 minutes or less.
• Creamy Without the Cream: Thanks to avocado and a splash of pasta water, the sauce is indulgent and velvety—without a trace of dairy.
• Packed with Flavor: Fresh basil, parsley, lemon, and garlic create a bold, herbaceous kick that elevates every bite.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta keeps well, reheats beautifully, and tastes just as good the next day.
• Customizable: Easily adapt it to your favorite veggies, noodles, or proteins.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this vegan pasta sing. Every ingredient plays a key role in flavor or texture, so don’t skip the stars of the show:

• Pasta: Any kind will do—penne, linguine, fusilli, or gluten-free pasta work great. Choose your favorite.
• Avocado: The heart of the sauce. It makes everything creamy, rich, and perfectly smooth.
• Fresh Basil and Parsley: The herbs that give it that signature Green Goddess flavor. Fresh is key here.
• Garlic: Adds depth and warmth—use fresh cloves for the best result.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and balances the richness of the avocado.
• Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds a lovely, slightly fruity finish.
• Nutritional Yeast: For that cheesy, umami vibe without using any dairy.
• Salt and Pepper: Don’t underestimate good seasoning—it brings all the flavors to life.
• Pasta Water: Don’t toss it! A splash helps the sauce cling to the noodles like a dream.

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to make it your own:

• Add Greens: Toss in some baby spinach, arugula, or steamed broccoli for even more green goodness.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
• Switch the Herbs: Try mint, dill, or cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous.
• Protein Boost: Stir in crispy tofu, white beans, or even tempeh for a hearty touch.
• Zoodle Option: Want a lighter version? Serve the sauce over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

How to Make Creamy Green Goddess Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the water generously—this is your chance to season the noodles properly. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, blend the avocado, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper in a food processor or high-speed blender. Add a little pasta water to help it blend into a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 3: Combine

Return the drained pasta to the pot, pour in the green sauce, and gently toss to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with extra herbs, a crack of black pepper, or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan if you like.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Avocados: They should be soft but not mushy. Underripe avocados won’t blend well and will lack flavor.
• Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: It’s starchy and magical—it helps emulsify the sauce and makes it cling beautifully.
• Blend Until Smooth: Give the sauce a full minute in the blender to make it ultra-creamy.
• Serve Immediately: The avocado-based sauce is at its best fresh. If storing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize browning.

How to Serve

This pasta is satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few great ideas:

Garnishes

Top with a drizzle of olive oil, extra herbs, or a sprinkle of vegan parmesan for a polished finish.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or crusty sourdough bread.

Protein Pairings

Pair it with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or a handful of edamame for a protein-packed plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce may darken slightly due to the avocado, but it will still taste great.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this one—the fresh herbs and avocado don’t thaw well.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or a little extra olive oil to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are essential for the vibrant flavor and color of this sauce. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same punch, so stick to fresh if you can.

Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free.

What if I don’t have nutritional yeast?
You can leave it out, but you’ll miss that subtle cheesy depth. A splash of miso paste or a few cashews blended in can be a good alternative.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best the same day. If making ahead, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to keep the avocado from browning.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is the perfect mix of fresh, fast, and flavorful. It’s a gorgeous, green bowl of comfort that just happens to be totally plant-based. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to fall in love with vegan cooking.

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