Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
If you’re looking for a meal that’s as vibrantly green as it is decadently luscious, this Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe is about to be your new weeknight MVP. Imagine twirling silky noodles through a sauce that packs in the buttery richness of ripe avocados, the freshness of basil, and the zippy brightness of lemon—all in under 20 minutes. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor that feels both indulgent and nourishing, making this dish a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create seriously crave-worthy results. Whether you’re after a vegetarian main, a quick dinner fix, or just a way to jazz up pasta night, you’ll fall hard for this swoon-worthy recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from just a handful of ingredients working in perfect harmony. Every single one adds its own pop of texture, flavor, or color to the Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe, making it both simple and special.
- Pasta of choice (12 oz): Pick your favorite type, though classic spaghetti soaks up the sauce beautifully for a twirl-worthy experience.
- Ripe avocados (2): These lend the dish its signature creaminess and beautiful green hue—make sure they give slightly when pressed.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Provides a fresh citrus tang and helps prevent the avocado from browning.
- Garlic cloves (2): Adds bold, aromatic flavor that keeps the sauce from being one-note.
- Olive oil (1/4 cup): Helps emulsify the sauce and adds that unmistakable Mediterranean richness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup, grated): Brings salty-savoriness and deep umami to the party—feel free to use a plant-based cheese if needed.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/4 cup): Packs in herbal freshness and that hit of summery aroma.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Don’t skip this; it enhances all the flavors and balances the creamy elements.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick and complexity to the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water (1/4 cup, as needed): Helps loosen the sauce and brings everything together perfectly once tossed.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add a generous pinch of salt. Cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until just al dente—this gives it the ideal texture for catching all that luscious avocado sauce. Before you drain the pasta, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the starchy cooking water and set it aside—it’ll help bring your sauce together perfectly later.
Step 2: Make the Avocado Sauce
While the pasta works its magic, grab your food processor or a high-powered blender. Add in the ripe avocado flesh, fresh lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, grated Parmesan, basil leaves, salt, and pepper. Blend everything until smooth and utterly creamy. If the sauce feels a touch too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to get it just right—silky, but not runny.
Step 3: Toss Together
While your noodles are still piping hot, return them to the pot or a big mixing bowl. Pour the dreamy avocado sauce right over and toss everything together until each strand is thoroughly coated in emerald green creaminess. If needed, drizzle in a bit more pasta water to ensure every bite is perfectly glossy and smooth.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up immediately for peak flavor and color. You’ll want to serve this Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe right after tossing, as avocado can brown over time. Top with extra grated Parmesan, a scatter of fresh basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes to really make your bowl sing.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes make this pasta extra eye-catching and delicious. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese, a handful of basil ribbons, or a few cranks of black pepper over each bowl. For those who like a little heat, a dusting of red pepper flakes is absolute magic. If you feel like getting fancy, a squeeze of lemon or a few toasted pine nuts add beautiful texture and brightness.
Side Dishes
This Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with something crisp and refreshing. Try a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon, steamed asparagus, or roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. If you want extra protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas bring satisfying heft without stealing the spotlight from that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun dinner party twist, serve the pasta in colorful shallow bowls and pass a platter of toppings so guests can garnish their own. Twirl smaller portions into nests for an appetizer, or serve inside halved avocado shells for a playful and picture-worthy touch. If you want to amp up the veggies, stir in roasted veggies like zucchini or peppers just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe is absolutely best right after it’s made, but leftovers—if you have any—can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just note, the avocado may oxidize and lose some of its bright green color, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Freezing
Unfortunately, because avocados don’t freeze well and can become watery or brown, this pasta doesn’t stand up to freezing. It’s one dish you’ll want to enjoy fresh or within a day of preparing.
Reheating
To gently rewarm leftovers, place them in a saucepan over very low heat and add a splash of water to help loosen the sauce. Stir until just warmed through, but avoid high heat, as it can cause the avocado sauce to separate. If possible, enjoy cold or at room temperature for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I make this Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative, like nutritional yeast or your favorite plant-based Parmesan. You’ll still get the same creamy texture and zesty flavor.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
The fresh lemon juice in the Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe helps slow browning, but avocado is best enjoyed soon after it’s blended. If you must make it a little ahead, cover the sauce with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface and refrigerate until needed.
Can I use another herb instead of basil?
Definitely! Fresh cilantro, parsley, or even a little mint can stand in for basil and offer their own unique twist on the Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe. Just keep the quantities the same and experiment to find your favorite flavor combo.
What types of pasta work best?
While spaghetti is a classic choice for optimal sauce-to-noodle coverage, you can use penne, linguine, or fusilli—the important part is that the pasta is cooked al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also great options.
How can I add more protein?
Add grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, crispy chickpeas, or even a soft-boiled egg on top of your Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe. These additions make it even more filling and give a delightful contrast of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s quick, vibrant, and feels totally fresh, the Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe will win a spot in your regular rotation in no time. It’s a breeze to whip up, endlessly adaptable, and always sure to impress. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite way to do dinner!
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Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this creamy avocado pasta recipe for a satisfying and healthy meal. The smooth avocado sauce coats every strand of pasta, creating a flavorful and vibrant dish that is perfect for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the avocado sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin the sauce, if needed.
- Toss and serve: Toss the hot pasta with the avocado sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, basil, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- This dish is best served fresh, as the avocado can brown over time.
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Add cherry tomatoes, grilled chicken, or roasted chickpeas for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
