DisclaimerTerms Of UseGDPR PolicyCookie Policy

Pagosa Recipes

Creamy Avocado Pasta Simple and Quick Recipe

by
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work well) - 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted - 1 garlic clove, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish, optional) If you don’t have ripe avocados, you can try ripe bananas. They won’t taste the same, but they will add creaminess. For lemon juice, lime juice works great too. You can swap fresh basil with spinach or arugula for a different flavor. If you want a nutty taste, try adding pine nuts or walnuts. For a spicy kick, use chili flakes or fresh chopped chili. If you need a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version. This creamy avocado pasta serves four. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 7g This meal offers healthy fats from avocados and fiber from pasta. It’s a quick dish that gives your body good energy. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your choice of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. Now, let’s make the creamy avocado sauce. Take 2 ripe avocados and cut them in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Toss in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves and, if you like some heat, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over it. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add more reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to blend the flavors. Finally, divide the pasta onto serving plates. You can garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! To get a creamy texture, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft when you press them gently. Blend the avocado with olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce coat the pasta well. If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent browning. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, stir it well. You may need to add a bit of water to thin it out again. You can boost the flavor with some simple additions. Try adding more garlic or fresh herbs like parsley. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also work. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Customize Your Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley if you want to change the flavor profile of the sauce. Perfect Pasta Water: Reserve the pasta water before draining; it's starchy and can help adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta for added protein and texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just skip the Parmesan cheese. The creamy avocado sauce already gives a rich flavor. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. It adds a nice twist without dairy. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also use chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. These proteins make the meal filling and satisfying. Add seasonal veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. You can also use spinach or zucchini. Just sauté them lightly before mixing with the pasta. This makes your dish colorful and fun to eat. Store leftover creamy avocado pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay good for up to three days. If you notice the sauce darkening, it’s due to oxidation. Just mix it again before serving. Freezing creamy avocado pasta is not ideal. The sauce may change in texture. If you want to freeze it, do so without the pasta. Store the avocado sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before use. Reheat creamy avocado pasta gently. Use low heat on your stove or microwave. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help it stay creamy. Stir well to mix the sauce evenly. Avoid high heat, as it can make the sauce separate. Enjoy your pasta warm, but do not reheat more than once. Yes, you can use frozen avocado. Just thaw it first. Frozen avocado is smooth and creamy. It works well in the sauce. Make sure to blend it well for a nice texture. Spaghetti or fettuccine are great choices. They hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try penne or linguine if you prefer. Choose any pasta you enjoy. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best bite. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now. Brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta all work well. Just cook according to the package instructions. You’ll still get a lovely creamy dish. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy! In this blog post, we covered the main steps to create creamy avocado pasta. You learned about the required ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. We also shared variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, the right techniques bring out the best flavors. Do not be afraid to experiment with ingredients or add your favorite veggies. This dish is both simple and versatile. Enjoy making it and share your results with friends and family. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Looking for a quick meal that is both tasty and healthy? You’re in the right place! Creamy Avocado Pasta is my go-to dish for a satisfying dinner in under 30 minutes. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can whip up a rich, smooth sauce that clings to your favorite pasta. Dive into this recipe, and I’ll walk you through each step for a creamy delight that even kids will love!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This creamy avocado pasta can be whipped up in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
  2. Healthy Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and fresh basil, this dish is not only delicious but also nutritious.
  3. Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, such as grilled chicken or steamed broccoli.
  4. Plant-Based Delight: This vegan-friendly pasta dish is a great way to enjoy a satisfying meal without any animal products.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work well)
  • 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional)
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish, optional)

Suggested Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have ripe avocados, you can try ripe bananas. They won’t taste the same, but they will add creaminess. For lemon juice, lime juice works great too. You can swap fresh basil with spinach or arugula for a different flavor. If you want a nutty taste, try adding pine nuts or walnuts. For a spicy kick, use chili flakes or fresh chopped chili. If you need a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version.

Nutritional Information

This creamy avocado pasta serves four. Each serving contains about:

  • Calories: 400
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 20g
  • Fiber: 7g

This meal offers healthy fats from avocados and fiber from pasta. It’s a quick dish that gives your body good energy. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your choice of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce.

Making the Avocado Sauce

Now, let’s make the creamy avocado sauce. Take 2 ripe avocados and cut them in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Toss in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves and, if you like some heat, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combining and Serving the Pasta

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over it. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add more reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to blend the flavors. Finally, divide the pasta onto serving plates. You can garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Creaminess

To get a creamy texture, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft when you press them gently. Blend the avocado with olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce coat the pasta well.

Storing Leftover Sauce

If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent browning. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, stir it well. You may need to add a bit of water to thin it out again.

Enhancing Flavor with Additional Seasonings

You can boost the flavor with some simple additions. Try adding more garlic or fresh herbs like parsley. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also work. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
  2. Customize Your Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley if you want to change the flavor profile of the sauce.
  3. Perfect Pasta Water: Reserve the pasta water before draining; it’s starchy and can help adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor.
  4. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta for added protein and texture.

Variations

Vegan or Dairy-Free Options

You can easily make this dish vegan. Just skip the Parmesan cheese. The creamy avocado sauce already gives a rich flavor. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. It adds a nice twist without dairy.

Adding Proteins for a Heartier Dish

If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also use chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. These proteins make the meal filling and satisfying.

Seasonal Vegetable Add-ins

Add seasonal veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. You can also use spinach or zucchini. Just sauté them lightly before mixing with the pasta. This makes your dish colorful and fun to eat.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Creamy Avocado Pasta

Store leftover creamy avocado pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay good for up to three days. If you notice the sauce darkening, it’s due to oxidation. Just mix it again before serving.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing creamy avocado pasta is not ideal. The sauce may change in texture. If you want to freeze it, do so without the pasta. Store the avocado sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before use.

Reheating Tips

Reheat creamy avocado pasta gently. Use low heat on your stove or microwave. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help it stay creamy. Stir well to mix the sauce evenly. Avoid high heat, as it can make the sauce separate. Enjoy your pasta warm, but do not reheat more than once.

FAQs

Can I use frozen avocado for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen avocado. Just thaw it first. Frozen avocado is smooth and creamy. It works well in the sauce. Make sure to blend it well for a nice texture.

What pasta works best for creamy avocado pasta?

Spaghetti or fettuccine are great choices. They hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try penne or linguine if you prefer. Choose any pasta you enjoy. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best bite.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now. Brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta all work well. Just cook according to the package instructions. You’ll still get a lovely creamy dish.

What can I serve with Creamy Avocado Pasta?

This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy!

In this blog post, we covered the main steps to create creamy avocado pasta. You learned about the required ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. We also shared variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, the right techniques bring out the best flavors. Do not be afraid to experiment with ingredients or add your favorite veggies. This dish is both simple and versatile. Enjoy making it and share your results with friends and family. Happy cookin

- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine work well) - 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted - 1 garlic clove, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving, optional) - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish, optional) If you don’t have ripe avocados, you can try ripe bananas. They won’t taste the same, but they will add creaminess. For lemon juice, lime juice works great too. You can swap fresh basil with spinach or arugula for a different flavor. If you want a nutty taste, try adding pine nuts or walnuts. For a spicy kick, use chili flakes or fresh chopped chili. If you need a dairy-free option, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan version. This creamy avocado pasta serves four. Each serving contains about: - Calories: 400 - Protein: 10g - Carbohydrates: 50g - Fat: 20g - Fiber: 7g This meal offers healthy fats from avocados and fiber from pasta. It’s a quick dish that gives your body good energy. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of your choice of pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you make the sauce. Now, let’s make the creamy avocado sauce. Take 2 ripe avocados and cut them in half. Remove the pits and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add 1 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Toss in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves and, if you like some heat, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Blend everything until it’s smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over it. Toss the pasta well to coat it evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems thick, add more reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to blend the flavors. Finally, divide the pasta onto serving plates. You can garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you want. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! To get a creamy texture, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft when you press them gently. Blend the avocado with olive oil and lemon juice until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce coat the pasta well. If you have leftover sauce, store it in an airtight container. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent browning. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, stir it well. You may need to add a bit of water to thin it out again. You can boost the flavor with some simple additions. Try adding more garlic or fresh herbs like parsley. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can also work. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to match your taste. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Customize Your Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley if you want to change the flavor profile of the sauce. Perfect Pasta Water: Reserve the pasta water before draining; it's starchy and can help adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to the pasta for added protein and texture. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Just skip the Parmesan cheese. The creamy avocado sauce already gives a rich flavor. You can add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. It adds a nice twist without dairy. If you want more protein, add cooked chicken or shrimp. Grilled chicken pairs well with the creamy sauce. You can also use chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian option. These proteins make the meal filling and satisfying. Add seasonal veggies for extra flavor and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring a burst of freshness. You can also use spinach or zucchini. Just sauté them lightly before mixing with the pasta. This makes your dish colorful and fun to eat. Store leftover creamy avocado pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Make sure to refrigerate it within two hours of cooking. The pasta will stay good for up to three days. If you notice the sauce darkening, it’s due to oxidation. Just mix it again before serving. Freezing creamy avocado pasta is not ideal. The sauce may change in texture. If you want to freeze it, do so without the pasta. Store the avocado sauce in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before use. Reheat creamy avocado pasta gently. Use low heat on your stove or microwave. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help it stay creamy. Stir well to mix the sauce evenly. Avoid high heat, as it can make the sauce separate. Enjoy your pasta warm, but do not reheat more than once. Yes, you can use frozen avocado. Just thaw it first. Frozen avocado is smooth and creamy. It works well in the sauce. Make sure to blend it well for a nice texture. Spaghetti or fettuccine are great choices. They hold the creamy sauce well. You can also try penne or linguine if you prefer. Choose any pasta you enjoy. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best bite. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available now. Brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta all work well. Just cook according to the package instructions. You’ll still get a lovely creamy dish. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad. You could also serve garlic bread on the side. For protein, grilled chicken or shrimp works nicely. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat. Enjoy! In this blog post, we covered the main steps to create creamy avocado pasta. You learned about the required ingredients, cooking methods, and helpful tips. We also shared variations to fit your taste and dietary needs. Remember, the right techniques bring out the best flavors. Do not be afraid to experiment with ingredients or add your favorite veggies. This dish is both simple and versatile. Enjoy making it and share your results with friends and family. Happy cooking!

Creamy Avocado Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados and fresh basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
  • 2 whole ripe avocados, halved and pitted
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • for serving grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • for garnish cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a food processor, combine the avocado, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed for a thinner consistency.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta and the creamy avocado sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until reaching the desired consistency.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well for uniform flavor.
  • Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add more reserved pasta water.
Keyword avocado, creamy, pasta, vegetarian

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating