If you’re craving a fresh and vibrant meal, you’ve come to the right place! This Avocado Green Goddess Pasta brings together healthy ingredients and bold flavors. Imagine creamy avocados, zesty lemon, and fragrant herbs all in one dish. I’ll guide you through easy steps to create this wonderful pasta that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to savor each bite of this tasty, green delight!
Ingredients
To make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta, gather these fresh and tasty ingredients:
– 12 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or penne)
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted (for garnish)
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Each ingredient adds flavor and nutrition. Whole wheat pasta provides fiber. Avocados give creaminess and healthy fats. Fresh herbs like basil and parsley bring bright flavors. Garlic adds a punch, while lemon juice offers tang. Olive oil adds richness, and salt and pepper enhance everything. Cherry tomatoes give sweetness and color. Pine nuts add crunch and make it fancy. Optional Parmesan cheese can add a savory touch. Gather everything to create this fresh dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of whole wheat pasta. Cook it as per the package instructions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Keep an eye on the time. Before draining the pasta, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander.
Making the Green Goddess Sauce
For the sauce, gather these ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
In a food processor, put the avocados, basil, parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until it turns smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This will help you reach the right consistency for the sauce. You want it creamy but not runny.
Combining Pasta and Sauce
Now, take the drained pasta and put it back in the pot. Pour the green goddess sauce over the pasta. Toss the pasta well so that every piece gets coated with the sauce. This is key for flavor. Next, gently fold in ½ cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add a nice pop of freshness. Taste it, and if needed, add a touch more salt and pepper.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Sauce
To get the right thickness for your sauce, use reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and add more if needed. This will help make your sauce creamy but not too thick. If you want, you can swap olive oil with avocado oil or sunflower oil. Both give a nice taste and work well in the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta pairs nicely with a simple side salad. A salad with mixed greens and lemon dressing balances the creaminess. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. For more flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or fresh herbs on top.
Cooking Techniques
To avoid overcooked pasta, check it often while it cooks. You want it al dente, which means firm to the bite. When blending the sauce, use a food processor for a smooth mix. If you don’t have one, a blender works too. Just blend in short bursts, so you don’t over-process the ingredients.
Variations
Vegan Options
For a vegan twist, simply skip the cheese. You can also replace the olive oil with avocado oil. This keeps the creamy texture while making it plant-based. Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. It gives a nice umami taste without dairy.
Additional Ingredients
Want some protein? You can add tofu or chickpeas. Tofu works well if you sauté it first. It adds a nice texture. Chickpeas give a hearty feel to the pasta. You can also toss in seasonal veggies like spinach or zucchini. This adds color and nutrition.
Gluten-Free Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available, like brown rice or chickpea pasta. These options keep the dish delicious. You can also replace the pasta with zucchini noodles. Just spiralize the zucchini for a fresh alternative.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Avocado Green Goddess Pasta fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work great as they do not stain or retain odors. You can also use plastic containers if they seal well. Store the pasta in the fridge and enjoy it for up to three days. After that, the avocados may brown, and the pasta can become mushy.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. Microwaving can turn your pasta into a soggy mess. Instead, warm it on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of reserved pasta water to help it stay creamy. If you want to freeze it, leave out the tomatoes and cheese. You can freeze the pasta for one month, but the texture may change once thawed.
FAQs
How to make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta?
To make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta, start by cooking the pasta. Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Cook the whole wheat pasta until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the brand. Save half a cup of the hot pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Next, make the sauce. In a food processor, blend two ripe avocados, a cup of fresh basil leaves, a cup of fresh parsley leaves, one minced garlic clove, two tablespoons of lemon juice, a quarter cup of olive oil, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Blend until smooth. If the sauce seems thick, add some reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Combine the drained pasta with the green goddess sauce in the pot. Toss well until the pasta is fully coated. Finally, fold in half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Serve with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese if you like.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for about two days. To prevent browning, add a little extra lemon juice on top before sealing.
When you’re ready to use it, just give it a quick stir. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This makes it easy to prep ahead and enjoy a fresh meal later.
What can I serve with this dish?
Avocado Green Goddess Pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are a few ideas:
– A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
– Grilled or roasted vegetables for added flavor
– Garlic bread for a crunchy side
– A chilled soup like gazpacho on hot days
These sides enhance the meal and add variety to your dining experience.
In this post, I covered how to make Avocado Green Goddess Pasta. We explored the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to create a creamy sauce and toss it with whole wheat pasta. Additionally, I shared variations for vegan and gluten-free options.
This dish is easy to make and delicious. Enjoy making it your own!
