In the hustle and bustle of life, we crave meals that are not only speedy but also nutritious. This 20-Minute Green Goddess Pasta checks all the boxes – it’s quick, it’s full of vegetables, and, most importantly, it’s delicious. Perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.

WHAT IS 20-MINUTE GREEN GODDESS PASTA

This Green Goddess Pasta is the perfect 20-minute dinner idea, ideal for those seeking to incorporate more veggies into their diet or discreetly sneak them past picky eaters (my kids adore this dish!). Quick and easy to prepare, it’s an excellent choice for busy weeknight dinners for the entire family. It pairs wonderfully with sautéed shrimp or lemon & herb grilled chicken.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Pasta: Use spaghetti or other favourite type.
Green vegetables: Choose fresh broccoli, spinach and frozen peas.
Mascarpone cheese: Use high-quality mascarpone for a creamy texture.
Lemon: You’ll need both juice and zest.
Garlic
Fresh basil
Parmesan cheese: Use Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Garnish: I like to top it with extra parmesan cheese, lemon zest and chilli flakes.

HOW TO MAKE 20-MINUTE GREEN GODDESS PASTA

Please note: This is just an overview – the full ingredients and directions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Boil pasta. In a large pot of salted water, cook the spaghetti until al dente. Remember to reserve a cup of pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 2: Cook the greens. In another pot, blanch the broccoli until slightly tender. Add frozen peas for a pop of sweetness, and finish with fresh spinach until wilted. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Blend. In a blender, combine the boiled broccoli, peas, and spinach with fresh basil, lemon zest, lemon juice, mascarpone, and garlic. Blend until smooth, adding pasta water as needed for creaminess.

Step 4: Combine. Combine the green sauce with drained pasta and parmesan in the same pot. Toss until well-coated. Adjust the consistency with pasta water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Garnish and enjoy. Serve your Green Goddess Pasta hot, garnished with extra parmesan and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Enjoy!

20-minute green goddess pasta step by step

STORING AND FREEZING

This Green Goddess Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Unfortunately, due to the creamy nature of this green pasta sauce, freezing isn’t recommended as it may compromise the texture.

TOP TIPS

Fresh is best: Use the freshest ingredients to maximise flavour and nutritional benefits.

Reserve pasta cooking water: Reserve pasta cooking water and add it gradually to the blended vegetables to achieve perfect sauce consistency.

Play with greens: Feel free to experiment with other greens like kale, cavolo nero or arugula for a unique twist.

You may also enjoy…

Roasted Tomato and Garlic Ricotta Pasta

One-Pan Chicken Fricassée (Creamy Chicken Stew)

One-Pan Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Roasted Cauliflower Cheddar Soup

Caprese Stuffed Chicken

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The sauce can be prepared in advance, but it’s best to toss it with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for the optimal taste and texture.

Can I substitute mascarpone with another cheese?

Cream cheese, ricotta or cottage cheese can be substituted for mascarpone, but the creamy texture may vary slightly.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

I recommend using fresh broccoli and spinach, but you can also use frozen broccoli, peas, and spinach in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.