Go Back
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) - 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) - 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for an appealing garnish) - Additional fresh basil leaves (for garnish) This creamy avocado pasta is not just tasty; it is also healthy. Here’s how each ingredient helps: - Avocados: Full of healthy fats, avocados provide fiber and vitamins. They help your heart and skin. - Garlic: This adds flavor and has health benefits. It may boost your immune system. - Lemon Juice: This gives a fresh taste and Vitamin C. It helps keep your skin healthy. - Basil: Fresh basil adds flavor and antioxidants. It can help fight inflammation. - Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds protein and calcium. It makes the dish rich and creamy. - Red Chili Flakes: These add spice and may speed up your metabolism. - Spaghetti: This is a source of carbs, giving you energy. - Cherry Tomatoes: They add color and Vitamin C. They are low in calories. Choosing the right avocado is key for this recipe. Here’s what to look for: - Color: Look for dark green or black skin. This means it is ripe. - Feel: Gently squeeze the avocado. It should feel soft but not mushy. - Shape: Choose avocados that are plump. Avoid those with dents or wrinkles. - Timing: If they are not ripe, leave them at room temperature for a few days. With these tips, you can find the best avocados for your creamy pasta dish. To make the best creamy avocado pasta, start by cooking the pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Follow the package directions to cook until it's al dente. Before you drain the pasta, save about 1/2 cup of the starchy water. This water helps the sauce stick later. After saving the water, drain the pasta in a colander. Next, let's make the creamy avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, add 2 ripe avocados, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Toss in 1/4 cup of packed fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you want a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of cheese. For a little kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Blend all these ingredients until you get a smooth and creamy mixture. Make sure to scrape down the sides so everything mixes well. Now it's time to bring it all together. Return the drained pasta to the same pot you cooked it in. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss it together well. As you mix, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water. This will help the sauce reach your desired creaminess. Taste the pasta and add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors. Serve the creamy avocado pasta in lovely bowls. Top each serving with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves for a pop of color. Enjoy your simple and tasty meal! To make your creamy avocado pasta shine, seasoning is key. Start with salt and pepper, as they boost the taste. Add more lemon juice if you want a tangy kick. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in red chili flakes. Taste your sauce after mixing it in. Adjust the flavor to fit your liking. Storing creamy avocado pasta can be tricky. The avocado can brown quickly. To avoid this, cover it well. Use an airtight container and squeeze extra lemon juice on top. This helps keep it fresh. It can last in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, add a splash of water to revive its creaminess. Creamy avocado pasta pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a crisp salad for freshness. Garlic bread is a great choice for a hearty touch. You can also add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp. For a vegetarian option, toss in some roasted veggies. Finish with extra basil and cherry tomatoes for a pop of color. {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, swap the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use coconut cream to add extra richness. With these changes, you keep all the creamy goodness while staying plant-based. If you want to add protein, chicken, shrimp, or tofu work great. For chicken, grill or sauté pieces until cooked through. If you choose shrimp, cook them until they turn pink and opaque. For tofu, press it to remove moisture, then sauté until golden. Mix your protein into the pasta for a hearty meal. You can use any pasta you like. Whole wheat or chickpea pasta adds nutrition and flavor. If you need gluten-free options, try brown rice or quinoa pasta. Each of these options pairs well with the creamy sauce. Choose what fits your taste and diet best! To keep creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the pasta in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This helps prevent browning and keeps the flavor intact. If you have extra sauce, store it separately. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents sogginess. Use the leftover pasta within three days for the best taste. When reheating, do it gently. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, add a splash of water to the pasta. Heat it on low while stirring. This adds moisture back to the dish. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a lid. This traps steam and warms the pasta evenly. Heat for short intervals, stirring in between. This keeps the sauce creamy and delicious. Use glass or BPA-free plastic containers for storage. Glass containers are great because they do not stain. They also help maintain flavor. Plastic containers should be sturdy and airtight. Avoid using metal containers, as they may react with the avocado. Make sure your container can hold the pasta without squishing it. This way, your creamy avocado pasta stays looking and tasting great. Yes, you can make creamy avocado pasta ahead of time. However, the sauce may brown due to oxidation. To slow this down, add lemon juice to the sauce. Store the pasta and sauce separately. When you're ready to eat, mix them together. This keeps the pasta fresh and tasty. You can use nutritional yeast as a great vegan substitute for Parmesan cheese. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. Other options include feta cheese or a blend of nuts. These choices give you a nice twist while keeping it creamy. Creamy avocado pasta lasts about 1 to 2 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you notice browning on the sauce, just stir it in. It will still taste good! Ingredients: - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) - 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta) - 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for an appealing garnish) - Additional fresh basil leaves (for garnish) In this post, we explored creamy avocado pasta. We covered each ingredient, showing their nutritional benefits. I shared tips for picking perfect avocados and cooking pasta just right. You learned how to make a smooth avocado sauce and combine it for the best taste. For maximum flavor, seasoning tips and storage advice were included. Lastly, we looked at fun variations and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish that is tasty, healthy, and easy to customize! You can now prepare and enjoy creamy avocado pasta anytime.

Creamy Avocado Pasta

Discover the creamy avocado pasta delight that will elevate your mealtime! This simple yet decadent recipe combines ripe avocados, fresh basil, and Parmesan for a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta. In just 20 minutes, you’ll create a dish that's not only delicious but also visually stunning with fresh cherry tomatoes as a garnish. Click through to get the full recipe and indulge in a quick, healthy meal that everyone will love!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative)

1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional for a kick)

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

12 oz spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)

1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for an appealing garnish)

Additional fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package directions until it reaches the al dente stage. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the rest.

    Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), and red chili flakes if using. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides to ensure everything is well incorporated.

      Mix Pasta with Sauce: In the same pot where you cooked the pasta, add the drained spaghetti back in along with the creamy avocado sauce. Toss and mix vigorously, gradually adding small amounts of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess and consistency.

        Season to Perfection: Tasting is key! Adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference, ensuring the flavors are balanced.

          Plate and Serve: Serve the creamy avocado pasta in ample bowls. Garnish each serving generously with halved cherry tomatoes, and scatter extra fresh basil leaves on top for a vibrant presentation.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an elevated touch, drizzle a hint of high-quality olive oil over the plated pasta and finish with an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to enhance the visual appeal and flavor before presenting to your guests.