Quick and Healthy Creamy Green Pasta Sauce (Easy Recipe)

When it comes to pasta, most of us are accustomed to the classic red marinara or creamy Alfredo sauces. However, it’s time to embrace a new culinary adventure with a recipe that boasts both vibrancy and delectable flavor – Creamy Green Pasta Sauce! This luscious green sauce pasta is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a treat for the eyes. This silky smooth sauce is packed with fresh and wholesome simple ingredients, this pasta sauce will revolutionize your pasta game. Find the recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Sponsorship Disclaimer: This mouthwatering recipe post for green pasta sauce is proudly brought to you in collaboration with Barilla. Rest assured, the recipe and our opinions are genuine, and May Eighty Five only partners with brands we trust and believe in. Thank you for supporting the partnerships that make these delectable creations possible!

Why This Pasta Sauce is the Best

This creamy pasta sauce isn’t just a condiment; this sauce is so fresh and rich but still very healthy. It’s also an easy way to elevate your pasta dish. The combination of tender baby spinach and aromatic basil leaves brings an explosion of color and nutrients to your plate. This easy recipe is a fusion of flavors, coupled with the creamy embrace of coconut milk and parmesan cheese, creating a sauce that’s not just good – it’s the best.

Choosing the Best Pasta

Selecting the ideal pasta shape to complement this exquisite green pasta sauce is crucial is just as important as the sauce itself. Among the various options, pappardelle pasta emerges as the perfect canvas for this vibrant creation. With its broad and flat ribbons, pappardelle effortlessly captures and cradles the creamy green sauce, ensuring each bite is a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.

I always choose Barilla pasta, since it’s crafted using the highest quality ingredients. Plus, Barilla always cooks to al dente perfection, every time so you are guaranteed the best taste & texture results for your recipes. They also have a variety of gluten-free pasta too!

The wide surface area of Barilla’s Pappardelle allows the luscious spinach and basil sauce to coat every nook and cranny. Its substantial thickness and sturdy structure provide a satisfying chew that beautifully contrasts with the silkiness of the sauce. So, if you’re looking for a type of pasta that not only enhances the flavors of the green sauce but also delivers an exquisite dining experience, pappardelle is undoubtedly the pasta of choice!

Ingredients For the Creamy Spinach Pasta Sauce

• 140 g of Barilla Pappardella (or pasta of your choice)
• ½ cup of fresh spinach
• 1 handful of fresh basil
• 1 cup of coconut milk
• 2 tbsp of grated parmesan
• 1 tbsp of cornstarch
• 3 fresh garlic cloves
• 1 tsp of onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste

How to Make Green Sauce for Pasta

1. Begin by cooking the pasta in a large pot of water according to the package instructions. Cook until al dente, then drain the pasta, reserving a cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside for now.
2. While the pasta cooks, use a high-powder blender or food processor, to combine the spinach, basil, coconut milk, parmesan cheese, cornstarch, raw garlic, onion powder, salt and pepper. Blend until completely smooth.
3. Transfer the sauce onto a large pan or large skillet and on bring to medium heat until it starts to bubble, then simmer on low heat for about 3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens. 
4. Then toss the cooked pasta into the pasta sauce until well coated and serve. 

How to Serve Green Sauce Pasta

Plate it up, garnish your bowl of pasta with additional basil leaves and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. The aromatic blend of fresh baby spinach, fragrant basil, and the richness of coconut milk will create a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Accompany your green sauce pasta with some leafy greens, like a simple side salad, just like this Kale and Chickpea Salad. This Homemade Garlic Bread is the perfect side dish to complete the meal. These sides will provide additional textures and flavors that complement the main dish

How to Store This Green Pasta Sauce

If you have leftover fresh green sauce and want to store it for later, allow the sauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. For long-term storage, freezing is a great option – just leave some space for expansion and label the container with the date. Freeze for up to 3 months!

If you plan to use it within 3-4 days, refrigeration is sufficient. When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen sauce in the refrigerator and gently reheat on the stove. Whether freezing or refrigerating, your carefully crafted green pasta sauce will stay fresh, allowing you to relish its vibrant taste whenever you desire.

Variations of the Green Pasta Sauce Recipe

Want to get creative and customize this recipe? Whether it’s due to dietary restrictions or substituting an ingredient, check out these tasty variations!

1. Zesty Lemon Twist: Add an extra pop of citrus by stirring in some lemon zest along with the fresh lemon juice. The combination of lemony tang and creamy green sauce will awaken your taste buds.
2. Creamy Herb Infusion: Elevate the herbaceous profile by incorporating a medley of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme. Blend them into the sauce for an aromatic twist that’s as vibrant as it is flavorful.
3. Kick of Heat: For those who crave a bit of spice, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce. This sizzling addition will give your green pasta a subtle fiery kick.
4. Nutritional Yeast Boost: To impart a savory, cheesy undertone, swap some of the grated parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. It’s a vegan-friendly option that adds depth and umami to the sauce.
5. Creamy Delight: For a richer sauce, introduce a touch of heavy cream or whole milk. This indulgent twist will give your green pasta a velvety texture and a luxurious flavor.
6. Bean and Green Fusion: Enhance the nutritional profile by blending in white beans, like cannellini beans. They’ll add creaminess and a dose of protein, creating a heartier and more satisfying sauce.
7. Kale Kick: Incorporate finely chopped kale for an extra boost of vitamins and texture. Sauté the kale briefly before blending it into the sauce for a nutritious twist.
8. Cream Cheese: To achieve an ultra-smooth and luxurious consistency, swap out the parmesan and add a dollop of cream cheese. This addition will make your green pasta sauce positively luscious.
9. Sour Cream: Replace a portion of the coconut cream with a dollop of sour cream. The tangy creaminess will lend a delightful contrast to the verdant flavors of the sauce.
10. Herbaceous Garnish: Sprinkle your finished green pasta with chopped fresh parsley or other herbs of your choice. This final touch will add a burst of color and freshness to each plate.
11. Hot Sauce Highlight: If you’re a fan of heat, consider drizzling a touch of your favorite hot sauce over the finished pasta dish. The combination of spicy kick and creamy sauce is simply divine.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own signature green pasta sauce experience. Whether you’re into creamy, zesty, or bold flavors, these tweaks will add a fun and personal touch to your culinary creation.

Final Thoughts

With the harmonious fusion of spinach, basil, coconut milk, and parmesan cheese, this green pasta sauce recipe offers a burst of flavors and colors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a pasta aficionado or a culinary explorer, this recipe promises to tantalize your taste buds and earn a top rating in your recipe collection. So, don your apron and embark on a and you’ll want to make it again and again!