If you’ve been searching for a vibrant, creamy sauce that elevates your pasta nights to something truly special, look no further than this Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe. Bursting with fresh herbs like dill, chives, and cilantro, and wonderfully balanced by the tang of Greek yogurt and the richness of cottage cheese, this sauce delivers a luxurious yet healthy boost to your favorite noodles. It’s quick to whip up, packed with flavor, and perfect for a midweek dinner or impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several small white bowls and glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding ingredients for cooking. In the top left, there is a half lemon with pale yellow color. Below it on the left, a small white spoon rests on the surface. In the center, three white bowls hold fresh green chives, bright green cilantro leaves, and dark green dill, each bowl showing fine textures of the herbs. Towards the bottom left, two brass measuring cups are filled with white, soft creamy cheese in two portions, and another brass cup with golden olive oil. On the bottom right, a glass bowl contains two pale pink slices of shallot. On the top right, a glass bowl holds a chunk of pale off-white cheese with a firm texture. The arrangement is neat and well-lit, showing clear vibrant colors and details of the ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of each component. Every ingredient plays a vital role—fresh herbs bring a garden-fresh brightness, while creamy cottage cheese and Greek yogurt create that irresistible, velvety texture. Olive oil and lemon juice add a perfect zing, and a touch of Parmesan rounds everything out with savory depth.

1/4 cup fresh dill: Adds a fragrant, slightly tangy brightness that defines the sauce’s green character.
1/4 cup fresh chives: Offers a mild onion flavor, enhancing the sauce’s complexity without overpowering it.
1/4 cup fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh, citrusy note that livens up the entire dish beautifully.
1/2 shallot: Provides a subtle sweetness and gentle bite, perfect for balancing the herbs.
1/3 cup high quality extra virgin olive oil: Gives richness and a smooth mouthfeel while helping blend all flavors.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: Adds an essential bright acidity that wakes up the sauce and keeps it refreshing.
1/2 cup cottage cheese (good culture): Creates creamy texture and adds protein without heaviness.
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (Greek God’s recommended): Enhances creaminess with a slight tartness that balances the richness.
1/4 cup pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce, ensuring it clings perfectly to your noodles.
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses umami depth and a slightly nutty flavor that’s hard to resist.
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
1/2 tsp pepper (adjust to taste): Adds a gentle kick of warmth and roundness.
8 oz of your favorite pasta (Mafaldine used here): Choose any shape you love; this sauce wraps beautifully around ribbons or tubes.

How to Make Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until al dente. I prefer Mafaldine because its wavy edges catch every bit of the silky sauce, but any pasta shape works wonderfully. Aim for that perfect texture—tender but with a slight bite.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce Ingredients

While your pasta cooks, toss fresh dill, chives, cilantro, shallot, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and pasta water into a blender. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that’s bursting with green goodness. Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed—this is your moment to tailor it just right.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your noodles are ready, drain them, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce a bit more. Transfer the sauce to a skillet over low heat, add the cooked pasta, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every strand or piece. Stir through the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the warm sauce for that irresistible savory finish.

Step 4: Serve Warm

Your Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe is best enjoyed right away while it’s warm and luscious. The creamy sauce clings to the noodles, delivering herbaceous flavor in every bite that feels both indulgent and fresh.

How to Serve Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe

A gray pot filled with green pasta that has a curly edge. The pasta is covered evenly with grated white cheese and sprinkled with black pepper all over. The pot is sitting on a white marbled surface, with a clean, bright background showing a little wooden floor and white wall. The sauce looks creamy and thick, coating the pasta well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle extra freshly grated Parmesan for a punch of umami or scatter a few whole herb leaves like dill or chives on top for a pop of color and visual appeal. A light drizzle of good olive oil before serving also adds a silky sheen and subtle richness.

Side Dishes

This vibrant pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with the sauce. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts add a delightful textural contrast and depth of flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fresh twist, you can toss the pasta with grilled shrimp or chicken for added protein. Alternatively, serve the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce over zoodles or roasted cauliflower for a low-carb option. Or arrange it as a cold pasta salad, garnished with cherry tomatoes and olives for a summery vibe that highlights the herbaceous sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Green Goddess Pasta Sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

Because this sauce contains fresh herbs and dairy, freezing isn’t ideal as it may change the texture and flavor once thawed. It’s best to enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for short-term use.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or pasta water if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid high heat to preserve the sauce’s creamy texture and fresh flavor.

FAQs

Can I use other herbs instead of dill, chives, or cilantro?

Absolutely! While dill, chives, and cilantro give the Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe its signature flavor, you can experiment with parsley, basil, or tarragon for different herbaceous notes. Just keep the balance fresh and vibrant.

Is this sauce suitable for a vegetarian diet?

Yes, it is vegetarian-friendly as it contains dairy but no meat or animal-derived gelatin. If you want a vegan version, you’d need to substitute the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.

What if I don’t have a blender?

A food processor works just as well for making the sauce smooth and creamy. If those aren’t available, finely chopping the herbs and whisking vigorously with the other ingredients can work, but the texture won’t be as silky.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of minced jalapeño to the blender gives the sauce a wonderful kick without overpowering the fresh herb flavors.

What pasta shapes pair best with this sauce?

Mafaldine, farfalle, fusilli, or penne are excellent choices as their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce nicely, but ultimately choose what you enjoy the most since this Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe is versatile enough to shine with almost any pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Green Goddess Pasta Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both indulgent and fresh, creamy yet bright, all at once. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone craving an easy sauce that’ll turn simple pasta into something extraordinary. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it over and over because it’s that good!