Looking for a unique and flavorful twist to your pasta dishes? Look no further than green pasta sauces. From classic pesto to innovative avocado and kale combinations, these sauces offer a fresh and vibrant alternative to traditional red and white sauces.
Whether you’re a fan of the rich and nutty flavors of pistachio and basil or prefer the zesty kick of cilantro lime, there’s a green sauce to suit every palate.
I’ll also provide tips on how to best use these sauces and share some expert advice on creating the perfect green pasta sauce at home. So, if you’re ready to take your pasta dishes to the next level, keep reading to discover the wonderful world of green pasta sauces.
Key Takeaways:
- Experimenting with different greens can lead to delicious and unique pasta sauces, such as arugula pesto and kale walnut sauce.
- Incorporating green vegetables, herbs, and nuts into pasta sauces not only adds flavor but also provides added nutrients and health benefits.
- Green pasta sauces can be used in a variety of ways, from traditional pasta dishes to drizzling over grilled vegetables or using as a dip for bread.
What Makes a Sauce “Green”?
The term green sauce refers to a flavorful and vibrant sauce that derives its color predominantly from green ingredients such as avocado, basil, and spinach. These sauces are known for their creamy texture and fresh herb-infused profiles, making them a popular choice for pasta and other dishes.
Green sauces offer a burst of freshness and vibrant flavors to a wide array of dishes. Their versatility extends beyond pasta to include applications in salads, sandwiches, and even grilled meats. The avocado, basil, and spinach lend these sauces their unique creamy texture, adding a lusciousness that complements the dishes they accompany.
The herbal notes from the ingredients infuse the sauces with a refreshing quality, elevating the overall dining experience.
Top Green Pasta Sauces
For those seeking a delightful culinary experience, exploring the world of green pasta sauces is a rewarding endeavor. With a diverse range of recipes and options, from creamy avocado to vibrant pesto, these sauces captivate the palate and offer a healthy, flavorful twist to traditional pasta dishes.
Pesto Sauce
Pesto, a classic green pasta sauce, is a beloved choice known for its delightful blend of fresh basil, creamy textures, and savory Parmesan cheese. The traditional recipe combines basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil to create a rich, aromatic paste with a vibrant green hue and herbaceous flavor.
Avocado Sauce
Creamy avocado sauce, made from ripe avocados, enhances pasta with its luxurious and velvety texture, offering a vibrant and rich flavor profile. Serving as a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based sauces, its striking green color not only adds visual appeal but also makes it ideal for impressing guests or creating visually stunning food content for online platforms.
Spinach Alfredo Sauce
Spinach Alfredo sauce combines vibrant spinach with creamy Alfredo, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. This green-hued creation provides a dairy-free alternative to traditional Alfredo, merging the earthy notes of spinach with the velvety smoothness of the sauce.
Arugula Pesto Sauce
Arugula pesto sauce offers a peppery and vibrant twist to traditional pesto, infusing the creamy base with the distinct flavors of arugula and garlic. This versatile green sauce enhances pasta dishes, providing a captivating and zesty addition to the dining experience.
Broccoli and Lemon Sauce
Broccoli and lemon sauce combines vibrant broccoli and zesty lemon in a creamy fusion, creating a delightful and refreshing flavor for pasta dishes. This green sauce option offers a unique culinary experience by infusing the wholesome richness of broccoli with a burst of citrusy brightness.
Asparagus and Pea Sauce
Asparagus and pea sauce combines tender asparagus and sweet peas to create a creamy and vibrant flavor profile for pasta dishes. This green sauce option highlights the essence of springtime flavors, offering a refreshing and nutrient-rich addition. The delicate appeal lies in the harmonious marriage of earthy asparagus and sweet peas, resulting in a sauce that complements various pasta shapes.
Kale and Walnut Sauce
Kale and walnut sauce combines the earthy essence of kale with the nutty richness of walnuts, creating a creamy green sauce that enhances pasta dishes with wholesome and flavorful elements. This unique sauce captures the robust notes of kale and the nutty crunch of walnuts, offering a distinctive dining experience.
Pistachio and Basil Sauce
Pistachio and basil sauce combines vibrant basil with the delicate crunch of pistachios, creating a sumptuous and aromatic green sauce that elevates pasta dishes to a luxurious dining experience. The fresh aroma of basil harmonizes with the subtle nuttiness of pistachios, resulting in a rich and indulgent flavor profile.
Cilantro Lime Sauce
Cilantro lime sauce combines the zesty flavors of cilantro and lime, infusing a creamy sauce with a refreshing and citrusy essence that enlivens pasta dishes. The vibrant green color and invigorating aroma bring a burst of freshness, while the harmonious balance of earthy cilantro and tangy lime awakens the palate.
Mint and Pea Sauce
Mint and pea sauce combines the harmonious blend of fresh mint and sweet peas to create a delicate and creamy green sauce, imparting a refreshing and verdant note to pasta dishes. The sauce captures the essence of spring with its vibrant green hue and invigorating flavor. The herbaceous aroma of fresh mint, coupled with the natural sweetness of sweet peas, results in a delightful creamy consistency that offers a burst of refreshing flavors.
Creamy Zucchini Sauce
Creamy zucchini sauce combines tender zucchini with a light cream base, creating a luscious and green addition to pasta dishes. With a focus on simple, healthful ingredients like zucchini and garlic, the sauce preserves the vegetable’s natural sweetness and freshness.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce(not actually a green Sauce)
The infusion of roasted red peppers into a creamy base results in a smoky and vibrant green sauce in roasted red pepper sauce. This sauce option adds a bold and distinctive twist to pasta dishes, combining the smoky allure of roasted red peppers with the creamy textures of the sauce.
Artichoke and Lemon Sauce
The marriage of artichokes and zesty lemon in a creamy sauce yields a refreshing and tangy green creation in artichoke and lemon sauce. This sauce option infuses pasta dishes with the delightful essence of artichokes and the invigorating tang of lemon, offering a tangy and herbaceous culinary experience.
Cucumber and Dill Sauce
The fusion of crisp cucumber and aromatic dill in a creamy sauce results in a refreshing and herbaceous green creation in cucumber and dill sauce. This sauce option adds a refreshing and verdant note to pasta dishes, capturing the essence of summertime with its delightful cucumber and dill infusion.
Green Goddess Sauce
The illustrious green goddess sauce, with its creamy base and vibrant green hue, offers a luscious and herbaceous addition to pasta dishes. This divine sauce option embodies the richness of herbs and the refreshing touch of lemon, enhancing the culinary experience with its luxurious and vibrant profile.
How to Use Green Pasta Sauces
Utilizing green pasta sauces in culinary creations opens a world of delightful possibilities, from pairing them with various pasta shapes to incorporating them in innovative recipes and dishes.
These vibrant sauces offer a versatile and flavorful way to elevate pasta-based meals, whether as a standalone hero or a supporting element.
Tips for Making the Perfect Green Pasta Sauce
Crafting the perfect green pasta sauce involves a careful balance of ingredients, textures, and flavors, ensuring a harmonious fusion of vibrant green hues and delectable profiles.
From selecting the freshest herbs to mastering the art of creamy textures, these tips offer guidance for creating exceptional green sauces that elevate every pasta dish.
Pasta with Creamy Zucchini Sauce
Equipment
- High speed blender
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion cut 1/2-inch
- ▢6 cloves garlic smashed
- ▢24 ounces zucchini skin on cut in 1/4-inch slices (from 3 to 4 medium)
- ▢2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ▢1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- ▢1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- ▢1/2 cup parmesan cheese fresh grated
- ▢1 pound pasta such as cavatappi, fusilli or rigatoni
Instructions
- Toss zucchini with garlic, onion, olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a sheet pan. Roast 425F about 25 minutes, until tender and browned, tossing halfway.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- Drain the pasta reserving some of the water and return to the pot.
- Remove the vegetables from the oven when done and transfer to a blender. Add the parmesan cheese and broth. Puree until smooth.
- Toss with the pasta, adding reserved water, as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired taste.
- Top with fresh black pepper and serve with Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best green pasta sauces?
The best green pasta sauces are pesto, spinach and pine nut sauce, avocado cream sauce, kale and walnut pesto, green olive tapenade, ramp and arugula pesto, cilantro pesto, pea and mint pesto, matcha cream sauce, green goddess sauce, spinach and herb sauce, broccoli and kale pesto, green pea and basil sauce, chimichurri sauce, and spinach and feta sauce.
What ingredients are commonly found in green pasta sauces?
Common ingredients found in green pasta sauces include herbs such as basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint, as well as leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula. Nuts and seeds like pine nuts, walnuts, and almonds are often used for added texture and flavor. Other ingredients may include olive oil, garlic, cheese, and lemon juice.
Can green pasta sauces be made without nuts?
Yes, green pasta sauces can be made without nuts. Instead of using nuts, you can add other ingredients for texture and flavor such as breadcrumbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables.
What types of pasta work best with green pasta sauces?
Thin and long pastas like spaghetti, linguine, and angel hair are ideal for green pasta sauces as they allow the sauce to coat each strand evenly. Short and shaped pastas like penne, fusilli, and farfalle can also work well with green sauces.
Are green pasta sauces suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, most green pasta sauces are suitable for vegetarians and can easily be made vegan by omitting any dairy or using a plant-based alternative. However, it’s always best to check the ingredients and make any necessary substitutions to ensure it meets your dietary needs.
Can green pasta sauces be prepared in advance?
Yes, green pasta sauces can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to loosen it up.