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Green Goddess Pasta Sauce

Zesty Green Goddess Pasta Sauce for Quick Weeknight Wins

Enjoy a vibrant and creamy Green Goddess Pasta Sauce that's packed with fresh herbs and high in protein for delightful weeknight meals.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Herb Blend
  • 1 cup Fresh Dill Adds a bright herbal note; substitute with fresh basil for a sweeter flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Chives Contributes a mild onion flavor; can be replaced with green onions.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro Adds a unique herbaceous taste; omit if not preferred.
  • 1 medium Shallot Provides subtle sweetness and depth; use onion as a replacement if unavailable.
For the Creamy Base
  • 1 cup Cottage Cheese Contributes creaminess and protein; swap for Greek yogurt for a lighter texture.
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt Adds tanginess; any plain yogurt works here.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Offers richness and depth; avocado oil can be a flavorful substitute.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Balances creaminess with acidity; lime juice is a great alternative.
For Cooking & Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust according to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper Adds mild heat; black or white pepper can be used.
  • 1 cup Pasta Water Used for adjusting sauce consistency; save some before draining pasta.
For Serving
  • 1/2 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese Enhances umami; use a dairy-free alternative if vegan.
  • 8 ounces Favorite Pasta (e.g., Mafaldine) Acts as a vehicle for the sauce; any pasta shape can be substituted.

Equipment

  • blender
  • skillet
  • Pot
  • colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Green Goddess Pasta Sauce
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add your favorite pasta, like Mafaldine, and cook according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and when it's ready, reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining in a colander.
  2. In a blender, combine the fresh dill, chives, cilantro, shallot, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, cottage cheese, plain Greek yogurt, salt, and pepper. Blend at high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, which should take about 1-2 minutes. If your blender struggles, you may need to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well mixed.
  3. In a medium skillet, gently heat the blended Green Goddess Pasta Sauce over low heat. Stir continuously for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to become warm without simmering. This step ensures the sauce maintains its creamy consistency and doesn’t overcook.
  4. Once the sauce is heated, add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta thoroughly with the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water—about a tablespoon at a time—until you reach your desired creaminess.
  5. Finally, remove the skillet from heat and mix in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the warm sauce. Serve the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce immediately, garnished with extra cheese if desired. Enjoy your vibrant and creamy pasta dish warm, making it a perfect quick weeknight meal!

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

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