Are you ready to elevate your pasta game? This Green Goddess Avocado Pasta is a quick, simple, and oh-so-flavorful dish you’ll want to make tonight. With creamy avocados, fresh greens, and tangy lemon, it’s packed with taste and healthy goodness. Plus, it’s easy to customize! Join me as we dive into this vibrant meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Your kitchen adventure awaits!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: The combination of ripe avocados, fresh basil, and spinach creates a vibrant and nutritious sauce that’s packed with flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious pasta in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking, whether it’s adding more greens, switching up the nuts, or incorporating your favorite pasta shape.
- Beautiful Presentation: The vibrant green sauce and colorful cherry tomatoes create a visually stunning dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
To make Green Goddess Avocado Pasta, gather these simple and fresh ingredients:
– 8 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta
– 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative)
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
– Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
– 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts or walnuts (for garnish)
These ingredients come together to create a creamy and bright sauce. The avocados add healthy fats, while the herbs bring fresh flavors. The yogurt gives the sauce a nice tang. You can easily swap the pasta type to fit your taste. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also a fun way to eat more greens!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
– Bring salted water to a boil.
– Cook pasta according to package instructions.
– Reserve pasta water and drain.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. When the water bubbles, add 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I like spaghetti, but you can choose what you prefer. Cook until it’s al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Remember to save half a cup of that starchy pasta water for later.
Making the Green Goddess Sauce
– Combine avocados, basil, spinach, lemon juice, garlic, yogurt, and olive oil in a food processor.
– Blend until smooth and adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
While the pasta cooks, let’s make the sauce. In a food processor, add the two ripe avocados, one cup of fresh basil leaves, and half a cup of fresh spinach. Then, squeeze in two tablespoons of lemon juice and add two minced garlic cloves. Next, pour in a quarter cup of Greek yogurt and a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water. Blend again until it reaches the right consistency.
Mixing the Pasta and Sauce
– Combine cooked pasta with the avocado sauce.
– Toss gently to coat evenly.
– Serve immediately and garnish.
Now, take your cooked pasta and put it in a large bowl. Pour the creamy green goddess sauce over the pasta. Toss gently to coat each piece of pasta evenly. This step is key to making sure every bite is full of flavor. Serve your pasta right away. For a pretty touch, garnish each plate with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant dish!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Consistency
To get the right creaminess, use the reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount, then add more if needed. This helps you control the thickness of the sauce. Always taste before serving. Adjust with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
Presentation Tips
Serve the pasta in individual bowls. This makes it look special. Add halved cherry tomatoes on top for color and sweetness. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a nice crunch. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil and a few fresh basil leaves for extra flair.
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy sauce. They should give slightly when gently squeezed.
- Adjust the Consistency: Don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce thickness; it helps the sauce cling better to the pasta.
- Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to mix in other fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a unique flavor twist in your sauce.
- Chill for a Refreshing Dish: For a colder dish, allow the prepared pasta to chill in the fridge for an hour before serving.
Variations
Vegan Alternative
You can easily make Green Goddess Avocado Pasta vegan. Just swap the Greek yogurt for plant-based yogurt. This change keeps the dish creamy and delicious while staying dairy-free. You’ll still enjoy all those fresh flavors.
Additional Ingredients
Want to up the protein? Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Each option adds great taste and makes the meal heartier. You can also toss in grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. They add nice texture and extra flavor to your dish.
Pasta Choices
Feel free to try different types of pasta. Gluten-free pasta works well if you have dietary needs. Whole grain pasta is another healthy choice. It boosts fiber and keeps the dish filling. Experiment and find what you love best!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
Store any leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. It is best to eat it within 2 days. After that, the avocado might brown and lose flavor.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not a good idea. Avocado does not freeze well. It can change texture and become mushy when thawed. This can ruin the creamy sauce you love.
Reheating Suggestions
To reheat, use a skillet. Add a splash of olive oil or some reserved pasta water. Heat gently until warm. This helps keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Enjoy your pasta as if it was fresh!
FAQs
How do I make Green Goddess dressing?
To make Green Goddess dressing, gather these ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or vegan alternative)
– 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Place all the ingredients in a food processor. Blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out. Blend again until you achieve a creamy consistency. This dressing is rich and fresh, perfect for drizzling on salads or as a dip.
Can I use other herbs in the sauce?
Yes, you can! If you want to change the flavor, try using different herbs. Cilantro and parsley are great options. They add their own unique taste. You can also mix in some dill or chives. Experimenting with herbs makes the sauce fun and personal.
Is this recipe healthy?
Absolutely! This recipe is full of nutrients. Avocados are high in healthy fats and fiber. They help keep your heart healthy and make you feel full. The greens like spinach and basil bring vitamins and minerals. This dish is not only tasty but also good for you. Enjoy it guilt-free!
In this post, I shared an easy pasta recipe featuring a creamy avocado sauce. You learned about the simple ingredients needed for both the dish and its variations. Remember, you can adjust the sauce to suit your taste and try different pastas. Presentation matters, so don’t skip the garnishes. This dish is quick, healthy, and delicious. Enjoy making it fresh, and don’t forget to share with friend
