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Plate of Green Fettuccine topped with creamy spinach sauce

Green Goddess Fettuccine with Creamy Spinach Sauce

A bright and creamy pasta dish featuring fresh spinach blended into a smooth sauce that coats fettuccine, perfect for a quick, healthy meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta, Vegetarian
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 12 oz fettuccine Use fresh for best results.
  • 1 bunch green asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen Adjust cooking time if using frozen.
  • 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts or slivered almonds, toasted Toasted for enhanced flavor.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (packed) Fresh is best for flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain and set aside.
Making the Sauce
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Add chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until wilted, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Transfer the garlic and spinach mixture to a blender. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and velvety.
  4. Return the sauce to the skillet and warm gently over low heat. Thin with reserved pasta water as needed.
Finishing the Dish
  1. In a separate pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the asparagus for 2 minutes. Add the peas and cook for an additional minute. Drain and add the vegetables to the sauce in the skillet.
  2. Add the cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta in the sauce. Use more reserved pasta water if necessary.
  3. Finish with chopped basil, toasted pine nuts or almonds, and extra cheese or lemon zest if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 14gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3g

Notes

Cool the pasta to room temperature within two hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or cream.

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