This green pasta sauce is a delightful and vibrant alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces. Packed with fresh herbs, garlic and a drizzle of olive oil, this sauce adds a burst of flavor and color to your pasta dishes.

Whether you’re already a fan of pesto or looking to try something new, you’ll love making your own green pasta sauce at home.

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What Is Green Pasta Sauce?

Green pasta sauce is made with fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, or cilantro, combined with other ingredients like garlic, olive oil, nuts, and cheese.

You can customize this sauce to suit your taste preferences, and it adds a fresh and earthy flavor to pastas, pizzas and more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

fresh leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or arugula
fresh basil leaves
pine nuts or walnuts
garlic
grated Parmesan cheese
extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How To Make Green Pasta Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide

Blend the herbs: In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh herbs, garlic cloves, nuts, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse the mixture until it forms a coarse paste.
Add olive oil: With the food processor or blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Continue blending until all the ingredients are well combined.
Stir in grated cheese: Transfer the sauce to a bowl and stir in the grated cheese. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Toss the green pasta sauce with your cooked pasta of choice, and serve immediately. Garnish with additional grated cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Tips And Tricks

Use fresh and high-quality ingredients for maximum flavor.
Toasting the nuts before adding them to the sauce intensifies their flavor.
Adjust the amount of garlic and herbs to suit your personal taste.
For a creamier texture, add a dollop of Greek yogurt or cream to the sauce.
If you prefer a thinner consistency, add a little pasta cooking water to the sauce.

What Types Of Pasta Go Well With Green Pasta Sauce?

Green pasta sauce pairs well with various types of pasta. Here are a few recommendations:

Linguine: The long, flat shape of linguine allows the sauce to cling to the pasta, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Farfalle: The butterfly-shaped pasta catches the sauce in its nooks and crannies, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
Fusilli: The corkscrew shape of fusilli holds the green sauce well, making it a great choice for a heartier dish.
Gnocchi: The pillowy softness of gnocchi combines beautifully with the bright flavors of green pasta sauce.

Variations

While the classic green pasta sauce is made with basil and pine nuts, there are several delicious variations you can explore:

Arugula and Walnut Sauce: Replace the basil with arugula and the pine nuts with toasted walnuts for peppery and earthy flavors.
Spinach and Almond Sauce: Swap the herbs for fresh spinach leaves and use almonds instead of pine nuts for a milder, nuttier flavor.
Cilantro and Cashew Sauce: For an Asian-inspired twist, use cilantro and cashews instead of basil and pine nuts. Add a splash of soy sauce and a squeeze of lime for an extra kick.

Ways To Use Green Pasta Sauce

There are so many delicious ways to use your homemade green pasta sauce.. Here are a few creative ways to incorporate this vibrant sauce into your meals:

Classic Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta shape with the green sauce for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Pizza Topping: Spread the green sauce on a pizza crust as an alternative to traditional tomato sauce. Top it with fresh vegetables, cheese, and herbs for a unique and tasty pizza.
Dip: Use the green pasta sauce as a dip for breadsticks, crackers, or fresh vegetables. It adds a burst of flavor to appetizers and party platters.
Salad Dressing: Thin the sauce with a little olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice to create a zesty dressing for salads.

How To Store Green Pasta Sauce

To ensure the freshness and flavor of your green pasta sauce, proper storage is key. Follow these guidelines for optimal storage:

Refrigeration: Store the green pasta sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate it ASAP. It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
Freezing: If you have more sauce than you’re able to finish in a week, freezing is a great option. Transfer the sauce to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen green pasta sauce can last for about 3-4 months.

How To Reheat Leftover Green Pasta Sauce

Here’s a simple method for reheating frozen green pasta sauce while preserving its rich texture and flavor:

Stovetop: Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through.
Microwave: Place the sauce in a microwave-safe container and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it reaches the desired temperature.

How Long Does Green Pasta Sauce Last?

When properly stored in the fridge, green pasta sauce lasts 4-5 days. Of course, it’s always best to rely on your senses. If the sauce starts to smell or taste weird, toss it out.

Can I Freeze Green Pasta Sauce?

Yes, you can freeze green pasta sauce. Freezing extends its shelf life for 3-4 months. Store the sauce in airtight containers or zip-lock bags to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or using it.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Pesto Pasta: Toss cooked pasta in green pasta sauce, and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of pine nuts. Serve with a side of crusty bread for a restaurant-worthy meal.
Creamy Green Pasta: Mix green pasta sauce with a creamy base like alfredo or bechamel sauce for a luscious and indulgent pasta experience. Add sautéed vegetables or grilled chicken for added texture and flavor.
Green Vegetable Pasta: Enhance the nutritional value of your pasta by incorporating green vegetables into your sauce. Sauté spinach, kale, or broccoli with garlic, nuts, Parmesan and olive oil, then blend until smooth. Toss with your favorite pasta and enjoy a wholesome and flavorful dish.
Green Lasagna: Layer green pasta sauce with lasagna sheets, ricotta, and mozzarella for an earthy twist on the classic Italian dish. Bake until golden and bubbly for a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and guests.

FAQs

What is green pasta sauce made of?

Green pasta sauce gets its vivid color and fresh flavor from ingredients like herbs, leafy greens, and nuts. Classic green pasta sauce, known as pesto, traditionally includes basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt.

Variations include other herbs like parsley, cilantro, or mint, and substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds.

Can I use herbs to make green pasta sauce?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, cilantro, or mint are excellent choices for making green pasta sauce. They not only add a bright green color but also infuse the sauce with a burst of freshness and aroma.

Is green pasta sauce healthy?

Green pasta sauce can be a healthy choice, especially if it incorporates a variety of fresh herbs and leafy greens. Herbs and leafy greens are packed with nutrients, antioxidants, and essential vitamins. Additionally, the olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Although green pasta sauce is healthy, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and the other ingredients you pair with the sauce.

What sauce is best for pasta?

The choice of pasta sauce largely depends on personal preference. Traditional marinara sauce is a classic option, while creamy sauces like Alfredo or carbonara offer a rich and indulgent experience.

Pesto sauce provides a fresh and herby flavor, and tomato-based sauces with added vegetables are wholesome and refreshing. Ultimately, the best sauce for pasta is the one that brings you joy and satisfies your taste buds.

What is green pasta sauce called?

The most popular green pasta sauce is called pesto. Originating from Italy, pesto is traditionally made with fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan, olive oil, and salt.

Several variations of green pasta sauce are found in different cuisines and incorporate other herbs and ingredients.

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Green Pasta Sauce

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Servings:

Author: Izzy

Ingredients

▢ 2 cups packed fresh leafy greens such as spinach, kale, or arugula
▢ 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
▢ 1/4 cup pine nuts or walnuts
▢ 2 cloves garlic
▢ 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
▢ 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
▢ salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

In a food processor or blender, add the leafy greens, basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Pulse the ingredients until coarsely chopped.
Gradually add the olive oil while the food processor is running until the mixture reaches your desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a final blend to combine all the flavors. Your green pasta sauce is ready for use!