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For this creamy avocado pasta, you will need: - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or to taste) - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta. To make your dish even more appealing, consider these optional garnishes: - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Extra basil leaves for garnish These add color and a fresh taste to your creamy avocado pasta. While spaghetti is a classic choice, you can experiment with other pasta types: - Fettuccine - Penne - Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option Each pasta shape offers a unique texture and experience, making your meal even more exciting. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by cooking the pasta. Fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once it boils, add the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. While the pasta cooks, save about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help the sauce stick later. While the pasta cooks, it's time for the sauce. Take your ripe avocados and peel them. Remove the pit and place the flesh in a food processor. Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, and basil leaves. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a little heat. Finally, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Blend everything on high speed. Keep blending until the mix is smooth and creamy. You don’t want any lumps here! After blending, taste the sauce. Add sea salt and black pepper to your liking. If the sauce seems too thick, pour in some reserved pasta water. Add it a little at a time until you get a creamy texture that coats pasta nicely. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Return the pasta to the pot or put it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the vibrant avocado sauce over the warm pasta. Gently toss the pasta and sauce together. Make sure every strand of pasta gets a nice coating. For an even creamier dish, add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. Serve the creamy avocado pasta right away for the best taste. Dish it out into bowls and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves. This step adds color and freshness, making your meal look as good as it tastes! To get the right creamy texture, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. If your sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water slowly. This will help the sauce coat the pasta better. I like to add one tablespoon at a time. Blend until smooth and creamy. Seasoning is key for great taste. Start with sea salt and black pepper. Taste your sauce as you mix. You can add more lemon juice for tanginess. If you want spice, increase the red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like basil give a bright flavor. Always taste and adjust to your liking. To store leftovers, place the pasta in an airtight container. Add a little olive oil to prevent browning. It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can refrigerate it for up to two days. When reheating, add a splash of water. This will help bring back the creaminess. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Enjoy it again without losing flavor! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure. This will result in a creamy sauce that blends smoothly. Adjusting Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, slowly add reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creaminess. This also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta. Flavor Enhancements: Experiment with additional herbs like cilantro or parsley for a different flavor profile. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for a tangy twist. Serving Suggestions: For a gourmet touch, top your pasta with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch and flavor contrast. {{image_4}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. If you want gluten-free pasta, use rice or chickpea pasta. For a lower-carb option, try zucchini noodles. You can also swap avocados for silken tofu if you need a different base. Adjust the garlic or lemon juice based on your taste or if you have allergies. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken or shrimp pairs well with the creamy sauce. Simply grill or sauté your protein choice and toss it in with the pasta. For a quick fix, use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shrimp. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling. This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but you can enhance it. Swap the olive oil with avocado oil for a lighter taste. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you want extra veggies, toss in some spinach or peas for color and nutrients. Avocados are a superfood packed with nutrients. They are full of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Eating avocados can help your heart because they lower bad cholesterol. They also contain fiber, which helps with digestion. Avocados are rich in potassium, which is good for blood pressure. Plus, they are loaded with vitamins like K, E, and C. These vitamins help your skin and boost your immune system. Including avocados in your diet can support overall health. In one serving of creamy avocado pasta, you get a good mix of macronutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 400-500, depending on pasta type - Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams from the pasta - Protein: 8-10 grams, mainly from the pasta - Fats: 20-25 grams, mostly from the avocado and olive oil This balance makes it a great meal for energy. The healthy fats keep you full longer. You also get carbs for quick energy and protein to build muscles. To make creamy avocado pasta a full meal, add some fresh sides. A simple green salad pairs well. Use spinach, arugula, or kale for extra nutrients. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. If you want a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or black beans. Lastly, serve with whole grain bread for fiber. These additions make your meal balanced and satisfying. Enjoy your healthy twist on pasta! Yes, you can make Creamy Avocado Pasta ahead of time. However, it is best to store the sauce separately from the pasta. Cook the pasta and store it in an airtight container. Prepare the avocado sauce and keep it in another container. This keeps the pasta fresh and the sauce creamy. When you’re ready to eat, just combine them. You may need to add a bit of pasta water to bring back the creaminess. To prevent the avocado from browning, use lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice slows down oxidation. Mix lemon juice right after you cut the avocados. If you have any leftover sauce, cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Press the wrap against the surface of the sauce to keep air out. This will help keep it green longer. You can also place the sauce in an airtight container. If you don’t have basil, several options work well. You can use parsley for a different flavor. Cilantro is another great choice for a fresh taste. Spinach or arugula can add a mild green note too. Just remember to chop them finely. This way, they blend well into the sauce. Experiment and find what you like best! Creamy avocado pasta is a simple dish with endless options. We talked about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and clever tips. You can mix in proteins or swap ingredients for your needs. Remember, avocado offers many health benefits. This dish is easy to prepare and adjust. Enjoy the fresh taste and nutrition! Make it unique to your taste buds. Try it out and see how much you love it!

Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados, garlic, 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
  

  • 2 whole ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • to taste sea salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • 12 ounces spaghetti or your choice of pasta
  • as needed cherry tomatoes, halved
  • as needed extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking your chosen pasta. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the noodles in a colander.
  • While the pasta cooks, let’s whip up the creamy avocado sauce! In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, red pepper flakes, and extra virgin olive oil. Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
  • Taste your sauce and season it with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to suit your preference. If the sauce feels too thick while blending, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a luscious and creamy consistency that will cling to the pasta beautifully.
  • Once the pasta is just right and drained, return it to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the vibrant avocado sauce over the warm pasta. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each strand of pasta is generously coated in the creamy sauce.
  • For an even silkier texture, don't hesitate to add a little more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired sauciness.
  • Serve your creamy avocado pasta immediately for the best experience. Plate the pasta in individual bowls, and elegantly garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best experience.
Keyword avocado, creamy, pasta, vegetarian