Dinner

Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe

ByAva Sinclair July 17, 2025July 17, 2025

This Green Goddess Pasta Sauce is the vibrant, creamy meal you didn’t know you needed. Bursting with fresh herbs, tangy dairy, and silky olive oil, it brings serious flavor to every bite. It’s an absolute weeknight hero, coming together in minutes with a handful of punchy, nutrient-packed ingredients—and the result? A show-stopping green sauce that clings to your favorite pasta like a dreamy hug. Whether you’re new to herby sauces or already a fan, this dish proves just how spectacularly easy “green” can taste.

Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this sauce has a job to do—some bring creamy richness, others zingy lift, and a few inject the vibrant color that makes Green Goddess Pasta Sauce such a feast for the eyes. Stick with the basics or make it your own by subbing in similar herbs you love.

Fresh dill: This brings a punchy, aromatic note that makes the whole dish taste extra lively.
Fresh chives: Mild onion flavor here adds depth without overpowering the other herbs.
Fresh cilantro: For brightness and a whiff of citrusy freshness that’s totally essential.
Shallot: Just enough sharpness to balance out all that creaminess; use half for a gentle touch.
High quality extra virgin olive oil: Use the best you have—its fruity undertones really shine through.
Fresh lemon juice: This splash of acid lifts everything and keeps the green vibrant.
Cottage cheese: Adds body and a gentle tang; opt for whole-milk for maximum creaminess.
Plain Greek yogurt: Balances the sauce, so it’s rich but not heavy—also brings a subtle tang.
Pasta water: The secret to silky sauce that effortlessly clings to noodles; don’t skip this!
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty, salty depth and an extra layer of lusciousness.
Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors together—taste and adjust!
Pepper: Adds a little warmth; crack it fresh for best flavor.
Your favorite pasta: Malfaldine is a dreamy option, but any shape you love will soak up this sauce beautifully.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your chosen pasta and cook until al dente—just enough to keep a little bite. Malfaldine’s ruffled edges are fantastic for scooping up sauce, but truly, you can’t go wrong with your favorite shape. Don’t forget to ladle out some pasta water before draining for later in the recipe!

Step 2: Blend Up the Green Sauce

Time for the star of the show—the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce! Pile the fresh dill, chives, cilantro, shallot, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and that all-important scoop of pasta water directly into your blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Give it a taste, and don’t be shy about tweaking the seasoning—everyone likes it a little different.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the silky green sauce into a wide skillet set over low heat. Slide in your cooked pasta and gently toss everything together until every noodle is coated in that dreamy, herby creaminess. Just before serving, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss again, letting it melt ever so slightly for extra richness.

Step 4: Plate and Serve

Spoon the pasta onto plates while it’s piping hot. Top with a little extra Parmesan, some fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready for rave reviews at the table. This dish begs to be eaten warm, when the sauce is at its velvety best.

How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Sauce

Garnishes

Shower your finished dish with extra fresh herbs, a twist of black pepper, or another handful of Parmesan. For a restaurant-quality finish, a drizzle of olive oil or a few edible flowers never goes amiss—your bowl will look just as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple with a crisp green salad, or go all-out with roasted veggies like asparagus, zucchini, or broccolini. Warm, crusty bread is another must for mopping up the extra Green Goddess Pasta Sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this into a pasta salad by letting it cool and tossing with crunchy veggies and a squeeze of lemon. Serve it family-style in a big serving bowl, or twirl individual portions into pretty nests with tongs. For parties, try packing the pasta into small cups or jars for single-serve, spring-green bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld together deliciously overnight, so don’t be surprised if the sauce tastes even brighter the next day. If the sauce thickens, just stir in a splash of milk or water when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce itself—just pour it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge and blend again for best texture before tossing with fresh pasta. Freezing with the noodles isn’t ideal, as the pasta can get mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring frequently. Add a bit more water or milk if the sauce looks too thick; a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving will revive its signature zing.

FAQs

Can I use different herbs in the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce?

Absolutely! As long as you stick to soft, leafy herbs, you can mix and match to suit your tastes. Parsley, basil, or even a little tarragon are all fantastic here.

Is there a dairy-free way to make this sauce?

Yes, you can use plant-based yogurt and cottage cheese alternatives, and swap out the Parmesan for a vegan hard cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. The sauce remains silky and flavorful with just a few easy swaps!

Will the sauce still work without a blender?

If you don’t have a blender, a food processor will do the trick. For the smoothest results, blend in batches if your equipment is small, and don’t be afraid to stop and scrape the sides often.

What’s the best pasta shape for this sauce?

Malfaldine is a fun and beautiful choice, but Green Goddess Pasta Sauce pairs wonderfully with almost any shape. Try fusilli, pappardelle, spaghetti, or even penne for maximum sauce-catching.

Can I make this as a cold pasta dish?

Definitely! Toss the cooked pasta with the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce and chill for a refreshing summer pasta salad. Add crisp veggies or grilled chicken for extra substance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something a little different and oh-so-vibrant, give Green Goddess Pasta Sauce a try. It’s simple, stunningly fresh, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation—the kind of dish you’ll want to share with everyone you know!

Ava Sinclair

Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need