If you are on the lookout for a pasta dish that bursts with freshness, creaminess, and vibrant green goodness, this Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s a delightful celebration of ripe avocados, fragrant basil, and tangy lemon juice all swirled together in a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a stunning meal to impress friends, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a sensational experience that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this flawless pasta dish. Each component is straightforward yet carefully selected to add a unique layer of flavor, texture, and color that makes this recipe shine exceptionally bright.
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: These long noodles create the perfect base to hold the creamy avocado sauce, offering just the right bite.
- 2 ripe avocados: The star of the dish, providing natural creaminess and a buttery texture that replaces traditional dairy-based sauces.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves: Adds herbal brightness and a beautiful green color that brings life to the plate.
- 2 garlic cloves: Infuses the sauce with a subtle pungency that complements the creamy avocado perfectly.
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed): Injects a fresh citrus zing that balances the richness of the avocado.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Offers a savory depth and slightly nutty flavor that elevates the sauce.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Adds smoothness and richness while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring harmony to the dish and highlight each ingredient’s natural qualities.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your spaghetti or fettuccine until it is al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the package instructions. Don’t forget to save 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a secret ingredient that helps loosen the sauce and bring everything together flawlessly.
Step 2: Blend the Magic Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, toss your ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil into a blender. Pulse everything until it transforms into a smooth, creamy, and irresistibly green sauce. This step is where the “green goddess” magic happens, capturing all the vibrant flavors in one luscious mixture.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot on low heat. Pour in your creamy avocado sauce and gently toss the noodles so each strand is evenly coated. Add a little of the reserved pasta water gradually to achieve the perfect silky consistency. This helps the sauce cling to the pasta better and keeps it from becoming too thick.
Step 4: Season and Serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. This simple seasoning adjustment pulls all the flavors together into a harmonious dish. Serve immediately and get ready to enjoy the best Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe you’ve ever tasted.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top can add color and texture that make every bite more exciting. You might also try toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a gourmet touch that makes this dish feel special.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with light sides that won’t compete with its bold flavors. A crisp mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes make fantastic companions for a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish on a bright white plate to really show off its vibrant green color. For gatherings, consider twirling each portion into neat nests to make the plating look elegant and inviting. You can also serve it chilled as a refreshing summer pasta salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that avocado sauces can brown slightly, so a quick stir before reheating can restore the lovely green color.
Freezing
Freezing this pasta isn’t highly recommended because the creamy avocado sauce can change texture and become watery after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a couple of days refrigerated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can cause the avocado sauce to split.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti and fettuccine work beautifully, you can experiment with penne, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that pasta shape can affect how the sauce sticks.
How ripe should the avocados be?
For the creamiest sauce, choose avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Overripe avocados might make the sauce too runny, while underripe ones won’t blend smoothly.
Is this dish suitable for vegans?
The traditional recipe includes Parmesan cheese, which is not vegan. However, you can substitute with a vegan Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to keep it plant-based and just as flavorful.
Can I add protein to this pasta?
Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or even crispy tofu would complement the creamy sauce and make this dish more substantial without overpowering the fresh flavors.
How do I keep the avocado sauce from browning?
The lemon juice in the sauce helps slow down browning, but for extra protection, make the sauce right before serving and mix it directly with the pasta to preserve its vibrant green color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe is genuinely a game-changer in the world of quick, wholesome meals. Its bright flavors and luscious texture make it a crowd-pleaser, perfect for any season or occasion. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself coming back to this delightful dish time and time again.
Print
Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Avocado Green Goddess Pasta is a quick and delicious vegetarian meal that combines ripe avocados, fresh basil, and garlic into a luscious sauce tossed with tender spaghetti. Ready in just 20 minutes, it offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on classic pasta dishes with a smooth, creamy texture and bright herbal notes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti or fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a blender, combine the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot set over low heat. Pour in the avocado sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to achieve your desired creaminess and consistency.
- Season and Serve: Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra fresh basil leaves or additional Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and presentation appeal.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest sauce and best flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta.
- This dish is best served fresh, as avocado sauce can discolor if left too long.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
- Add chili flakes or red pepper for a spicy kick, if desired.
