Description

This Creamy Green Goddess Pasta is the ultimate quick and healthy meal, packed with fresh greens, protein-rich white beans, and a vibrant, creamy sauce. With a simple cooking process and easy blending technique, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s customizable with ingredients like avocado or Greek yogurt for added richness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a go-to recipe for a satisfying and nutritious dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

12 oz pasta (fusilli, penne, or your choice)
4 cups fresh spinach or kale
1 tsp salt (for boiling water)

For the Green Goddess Sauce:

1 cup white beans (cannellini or chickpeas), drained and rinsed
½ cup fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
¼ cup grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
2 cloves garlic
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
½ tsp salt
½ cup reserved pasta water (adjust as needed)

Optional Add-Ins:

½ avocado (for extra creaminess)
¼ cup Greek yogurt (for a tangy twist)
Red pepper flakes (for spice)
Extra parmesan for garnish

Instructions

Boil the Greens & Cook Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the spinach (or kale) and blanch for 30 seconds, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Blend the Green Goddess Sauce:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the blanched greens, white beans, basil, olive oil, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, zest, and salt.
- Blend until smooth, gradually adding reserved pasta water to reach the desired creamy consistency.
Combine & Serve:
- Toss the drained pasta with the blended sauce until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of water to maintain creaminess.
For a vegan version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Add protein by mixing in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu.
Experiment with different greens like arugula, Swiss chard, or even zucchini.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling & Blending
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 520mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 16g
Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: green goddess pasta, creamy pasta, healthy pasta, quick dinner, 30-minute meal