Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight

$- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - Juice of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Using fresh ingredients makes your creamy avocado pasta taste amazing. Ripe avocados give a rich, smooth texture. Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. I love using extra virgin olive oil for its fruity notes. The garlic brings a warm depth. Lemon juice adds zing and keeps the color bright. - 2 cups cooked spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice) Choosing the right pasta is key. I often use spaghetti, but you can use any type. Fettuccine, penne, or even gluten-free pasta works well. Just make sure you cook it al dente. It holds up better when tossed with the creamy sauce. - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) Garnishes can elevate your dish. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick. Fresh basil leaves on top make it look pretty. You can also add red pepper flakes for spice. If you like more texture, toss in some cherry tomatoes or toasted nuts. They add crunch and flavor! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your ingredients. You need ripe avocados, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if you want some heat. Cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, and red pepper flakes. Blend everything on high until it becomes smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon of water until it's just right. Now, it’s time to cook the pasta. You can use spaghetti or any pasta you like. Boil water in a pot and add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water. This water will help adjust the sauce later. In a large mixing bowl, add your drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Gently toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated well. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to make it silkier. Taste your dish, then season it with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. To serve, dish out the creamy avocado pasta onto plates. For a nice touch, add extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy! To get your avocado sauce just right, start with ripe avocados. A ripe avocado yields easily when you press it gently. After you blend the ingredients, check the texture. If it's too thick, add a splash of water. Blend again until smooth. Aim for a creamy sauce that coats your pasta well. Seasoning brings your dish to life. After mixing your pasta with the avocado sauce, taste it. Add salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. You can also add red pepper flakes for a little heat. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the creaminess. Don’t hold back on the seasonings; they make a big difference! Serve your creamy avocado pasta warm for the best taste. Plate it beautifully, and don’t forget garnishes. Fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice touch. You can also pair it with a light salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest sauce. They should yield slightly when gently squeezed. Adjust Consistency: If your avocado sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve your desired consistency. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh basil will enhance the flavor significantly. For extra freshness, consider adding a handful of arugula or spinach. Garnish for Flavor: Don't skip on the Parmesan cheese! It adds a wonderful umami flavor that balances the creaminess of the avocado. {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It adds a nice twist without using dairy. Also, ensure your pasta is egg-free. Most spaghetti is vegan, but check the labels. If you need gluten-free pasta, there are many choices. Look for pasta made from brown rice, quinoa, or lentils. These options cook well and taste great. Follow the same cooking instructions as regular pasta for the best results. You can add more flavors to your creamy avocado pasta. Try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy kick. You can also add cooked spinach or kale for extra nutrients. For a spicy twist, increase the red pepper flakes or add fresh chili. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own! To store leftover creamy avocado pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover the pasta tightly to keep air out. This helps prevent browning. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. If the pasta looks dry, add a little olive oil before serving. When reheating creamy avocado pasta, do it gently. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid. Heat it in short intervals. Stop to stir every 30 seconds. This keeps the pasta from getting too hot and helps the sauce stay smooth. You can also reheat it in a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it creamy. Freezing creamy avocado pasta is not ideal, but you can try it. If you want to freeze it, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. To thaw, put it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly with a touch of water or oil to revive its creaminess. You can make the creamy avocado sauce ahead of time. Just blend the avocados, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and red pepper flakes. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Cook your pasta when you are ready to eat. Combine the sauce with pasta just before serving. Yes, you can skip the garlic. The dish will still taste great. You can add extra lemon juice or more basil to boost the flavor. If you want a hint of spice, use a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want a dairy-free option, use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy. You can also try using a vegan cheese or simply leave it out. The pasta will still be creamy and delicious. To prevent browning, add lemon juice to your avocado sauce. The acid helps keep the color. Store leftovers in an airtight container and press plastic wrap against the sauce. This limits air exposure and keeps it fresh longer. This blog post covered how to make creamy avocado pasta from fresh ingredients to serving tips. I shared step-by-step instructions, including sauce prep and cooking pasta. You can explore variations like vegan and gluten-free options. Proper storage methods can keep leftovers tasty. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious dish anytime. Remember, cooking is about finding what works best for you. Enjoy making this creamy delight!$

Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados and fresh basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
2 cups cooked spaghetti (or any pasta of your choice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 whole juice of 1 lemon
0.25 cups fresh basil leaves, tightly packed
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
to taste grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Start by preparing the avocado sauce: In a food processor, combine the peeled avocados, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Should the sauce seem too thick, gradually add a tablespoon of water until you reach your preferred consistency.
Next, cook your spaghetti according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain the pasta, ensuring to save about 1/4 cup of the pasta water for later use.
In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta and pour the avocado sauce over it. Gently toss the pasta with the sauce until every strand is beautifully coated. If the sauce is thick, incorporate a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve a silkier texture.
Taste your creamy pasta dish and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.
To serve, dish the creamy avocado pasta warm onto plates. For an appealing finish, garnish with extra fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Add more lemon juice for extra tanginess.

Keyword avocado, creamy, pasta, vegetarian