Creamy Green Goddess Pasta Recipe (Vegan)

Say hello to your new weeknight favorite—Creamy Green Goddess Pasta, and yes, it’s 100% vegan! This dish is a luscious, herb-packed dream with a silky, vibrant green sauce that wraps around pasta like a hug. Think fresh basil, zesty lemon, and creamy avocado all blended into one delightfully smooth and flavor-loaded sauce. The best part? It comes together in about 25 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy evenings when you want something both nourishing and indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ridiculously Quick: We’re talking dinner on the table in under 30 minutes—yes, including the sauce.
• Wholesome Ingredients: This pasta is loaded with healthy fats, greens, and plant-based goodness.
• Flavor Explosion: Herby, tangy, creamy, and garlicky all in one bite. It’s a flavor bomb that doesn’t skimp on richness despite being dairy-free.
• Versatile & Customizable: Works with any pasta and welcomes all kinds of veggie add-ins or protein boosters like chickpeas or tofu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious green goddess experience:

• Pasta: Use your favorite—spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free pasta. Something with ridges works well to hold onto the sauce.
• Avocado: The secret to that velvety texture. Ripe avocado adds natural creaminess without needing dairy.
• Fresh Basil & Parsley: These herbs bring freshness and that signature green goddess flavor. Don’t skimp!
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, savory depth. You can roast it beforehand for a milder flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens everything up and adds that essential tang.
• Nutritional Yeast: Gives a cheesy flavor without the cheese. Totally optional, but highly recommended.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend everything smoothly and adds richness.
• Spinach or Kale: Adds more greens and body to the sauce. Baby spinach blends in beautifully.
• Salt & Pepper: To enhance all the flavors. Season to taste!
• Plant-Based Milk or Water: Just a splash to get the sauce to the perfect consistency.

Variations

Want to switch it up a little? Here are some fun twists:

• Add Protein: Stir in cooked chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh for a more filling dish.
• Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a fresh chili to the blender for a kick.
• Roasted Veggies: Toss in roasted zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
• Herb Swap: Try cilantro and mint instead of basil and parsley for a fresh new take.

How to Make Creamy Green Goddess Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.

Step 2: Make the Green Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, fresh herbs, spinach, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, nutritional yeast, and a splash of plant-based milk. Blend until silky smooth. Add more milk or reserved pasta water if needed to thin the sauce.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss the cooked pasta with the green sauce in a large pan or bowl until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a bit of reserved pasta water.

Step 4: Serve

Top with extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, or crushed nuts for a little crunch. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use Ripe Avocados: The riper the avocado, the creamier the sauce—look for ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente is key here so the pasta holds up to the creamy sauce.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before mixing—adjust salt, lemon, or garlic to your liking.
• Make It Smooth: A high-speed blender will give you the creamiest result, but a food processor works too.

How to Serve

This creamy pasta is satisfying on its own, but you can absolutely build a complete meal around it:

Garnishes:

Top with toasted pine nuts, hemp seeds, fresh cracked pepper, or a swirl of olive oil.

Side Dish:

Serve with crusty sourdough bread or a light side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.

Add-ons:

A scoop of vegan pesto or a few sun-dried tomatoes on top can really elevate the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may darken slightly from the avocado, but it’s still delicious.

Freezing

Not recommended—the avocado-based sauce doesn’t freeze well and can change texture once thawed.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of plant milk or water to bring back the creaminess. Avoid the microwave if you can—it may separate the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use frozen greens in the sauce?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach or kale—just thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before blending.

Is nutritional yeast necessary?
Not at all! It adds a cheesy flavor, but the sauce is still tasty without it. Try adding a pinch of miso paste or extra garlic if you skip it.

Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the sauce a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap touching the surface to prevent browning.

What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or shells are great because they trap the sauce in every curve and crevice.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is everything you want in a dinner—easy, satisfying, and bursting with vibrant flavor. Whether you’re vegan or just looking for a plant-powered meal, this one checks all the boxes. It’s quick enough for weeknights, fancy enough for guests, and flexible enough for any craving. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

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