Description
Green Pasta Sauce is a vibrant, fresh, and flavorful sauce that will transform any pasta dish into something extraordinary. Made with a blend of fresh herbs, spinach, basil, garlic, and a touch of Parmesan, this sauce is creamy, savory, and packed with greens. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and lightness, offering a burst of freshness in every bite. The richness of the sauce complements the pasta beautifully, creating a dish that feels both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce:
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 medium avocado (for creaminess) OR ½ cup ricotta or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For the Pasta & Add-ins:
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
- ½ cup sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli (optional)
- 1 grilled chicken breast or chickpeas for protein (optional)
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds for crunch
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the Green Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine spinach, basil, avocado (or ricotta), garlic, lemon juice, Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth, gradually adding milk or plant-based milk to reach your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out.
3. Combine Everything
- Return the cooked pasta to the pot. Pour the green sauce over it and toss to coat evenly.
- If desired, mix in sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, grilled chicken, or chickpeas for extra flavor and protein.
4. Serve & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with halved cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and extra Parmesan (or dairy-free alternative).
- Serve immediately while warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 15g