Nutrient-Packed Green Goddess Pasta
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
143 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Italian, American
Nutrient-Packed Green Goddess Pasta
Description
The recipe starts by boiling kale and spinach until tender and bright green, then using the same water to cook the pasta, which adds starch to help the sauce cling to the noodles. The cooked greens, pasta water, beans, cheese, basil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, and salt are blended until creamy. The addition of white beans adds body and creaminess without dairy, while Parmesan contributes a savory, nutty flavor.
This sauce has a fresh herbal profile from kale, spinach, and basil, balanced by lemon brightness and garlic pungency. The pasta serves as a neutral base that absorbs the sauce well, making each bite flavorful yet light.
Serving the sauce immediately after tossing with pasta ensures the best texture. The notes advise against overcooking pasta to avoid a gummy texture and suggest not rinsing to preserve surface starch that helps sauce adherence.
Ingredients
Green Goddess Pasta Sauce
- 1 bunch kale ribs removed, fresh
- 1 oz bag spinach fresh
- 1 oz can White beans like navy, canneli, great northern, or butter beans
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 cup basil loosely packed leaves
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp salt may need more
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta of choice
Instructions
- Cook Greens: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add kale and cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach to the pot and continue cooking for 2 more minutes, until greens are all wilted down and bright green. Remove greens from the pot (keep the water in the pot).
- Pasta: Bring that same water back to a boil then add pasta. Cook according to package instructions. When finished, strain pasta and reserve a few cups of the pasta water.
- Blend: Add cooked greens, 1 cup of pasta water, and all remaining ingredients to a blender. Blend with the lid slightly ajar for 2 to 3 minutes, until smooth. You can add another ladle of pasta water to reach your desired consisentcy. Taste and add more salt if needed.
- Serve: Stir sauce into cooked pasta and serve immediately, topped with grated parmesan.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the pasta, especially gluten-free types, to prevent mushiness.
- Do not rinse pasta after cooking; the starch helps the sauce stick better.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 143 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving pasta sauce (1/4 of the recipe, not including pasta) | |
| Calories | 143kcal | 7% |
| Carbohydrates | 18.8g | 6% |
| Protein | 12.1g | 24% |
| Fat | 3.5g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.1g | 11% |
| Cholesterol | 10mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 381mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 912mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 6.4g | 26% |
| Sugar | 0.9g | 2% |
| Calcium | 367mg | 37% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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