Nutrient-Packed Green Goddess Pasta

Green spiral pasta in a bowl with a spoon.

4.95 from 19 ratings

Nutrient-Packed Green Goddess Pasta

This 30-minute veggie-packed dinner tastes like pesto and keeps nutrients intact with a clever cooking trick. A quick, easy meal that’s both nutritious and delicious!

Prep Time5

Cook Time15

Total Time20

Course: Main Dishes, Pastas

Cuisine: American, Italian, Mediterranean

Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free, Halal, Hindu, Kosher, Low Calorie, Low Fat, Low Lactose, Low Salt, Vegetarian

Keyword: green goddess pasta, green pasta, green pasta sauce

Servings: servings

Author: Sarah Bond

Ingredients

1 bunch fresh kale ribs removed
1 10-oz bag fresh spinach
1 14-oz can white beans like navy, canneli, great northern, or butter beans
1 cup grated parmesan
1 cup loosely packed basil leaves
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 cloves garlic
¼ tsp salt may need more
1 lb pasta of choice

Instructions

Cook Greens: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 bunch fresh kale and cook for 5 minutes. Add 1 10-oz bag fresh 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 1 lb pasta of choice. 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

Don't overcook the pasta! This is especially true if you're using gluten free pasta because it can become gummy and mushy really fast.

There's no need to rinse the pasta. The extra starch will also help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Storage: This recipe is best enjoyed right away. The sauce tends to thicken as it cools. If you have leftovers, they will keep in an airtight container for up to four days. When you want them again, add a bit of water or cream and slowly reheat while stirring on the stovetop.

Nutrition