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Plate of green spaghetti topped with grilled shrimp, fresh basil leaves, and grated cheese, garnished with cherry tomatoes and bell peppers in the background.

Green Spaghetti with Creamy Spinach and Avocado Sauce


  • Author: Amy
  • Total Time: TT25M
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This vibrant Green Spaghetti combines creamy avocado, sautéed spinach, fresh basil, and zesty lemon into a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and visually stunning dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound spaghetti pasta
  • 10 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
  • Pine nuts or walnuts (optional), for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).
  4. Transfer spinach and garlic mixture to a blender. Add avocado, basil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  6. Return the sauce to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add more pasta water if needed to keep the sauce smooth.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or red pepper flakes if desired.
  8. Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional grilled shrimp or nuts for added flair.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
  • Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
  • This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can brown over time.
  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: CT15M
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 140 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg