Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados - 12 oz (340g) spaghetti or linguine - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for garnish) You can easily swap some ingredients. If you're vegan, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. For gluten-free diets, try gluten-free pasta. If you're avoiding garlic, skip it or use garlic powder. For a nut-free option, make sure your Parmesan cheese is nut-free. You can also add cooked chicken or shrimp for extra protein. When choosing avocados, look for ones that feel soft but not mushy. Gently press the skin with your fingers. If it gives a little, it’s ripe. Avoid avocados with dark spots or cracks. If they are hard, leave them at room temperature for a couple of days. You can speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag with a banana. Bananas give off ethylene gas, which helps the avocados ripen faster. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to cook the pasta. Use a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. While the pasta cooks, save 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water helps to thin the sauce later. While the pasta cooks, grab two ripe avocados. Cut them in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender. Add two cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Pour in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast if you want a vegan option. Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for some heat and season with salt and pepper. Blend everything until it becomes a smooth and creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency. Once your pasta is drained, put it back in the pot. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss it all together well. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, green sauce. For a nice touch, serve the pasta in bowls and add halved cherry tomatoes on top for color. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil leaves! If you like, drizzle a bit more olive oil on top for extra flavor. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! To make the sauce creamy, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. Blend the avocados with garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and cheese. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water. Start with a little and blend until smooth. This helps you control the sauce’s thickness. To make the flavor pop, add fresh herbs. Basil works well, but you can try parsley too. Red pepper flakes add heat. Adjust the amount based on your taste. For a fresh touch, toss in halved cherry tomatoes. They add color and sweetness to the dish. For a beautiful plate, use large bowls. Serve the pasta warm. Top it with fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine. Finish with cracked black pepper and more cheese for extra flavor. These little details make your dish look and taste amazing. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture. They should yield slightly when pressed gently. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start with a little, and add more if you like it spicy! Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps to adjust the sauce consistency and makes it cling better to the pasta. Add Fresh Ingredients: For extra freshness, toss in some fresh spinach or arugula just before serving, or consider adding grilled chicken for protein. {{image_2}} You can easily make this creamy avocado pasta vegan. Just swap out the cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. This gives a nice cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also add a splash of plant-based milk. This helps blend the sauce smoother if needed. Want to boost the protein? Try adding chickpeas or white beans. They mix well with the avocado sauce. You can also add grilled chicken or shrimp. These options add taste and make the meal more filling. Simply toss them in with the pasta and sauce. Add herbs and spices to make the dish unique. Fresh basil is a great start. You can also use parsley, cilantro, or even mint. These herbs brighten the taste. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes. Lemon zest can also add a nice zing. Mix and match to find your favorite flavors! To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. It can last in the fridge for about two days. The avocado may darken, but this does not mean it has gone bad. You can add a little extra lemon juice on top to slow this down. I do not recommend freezing creamy avocado pasta. The texture of the avocado may change when frozen, making it less appealing. If you have leftover sauce, you can freeze that. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using. When reheating, do it gently. You can use a pan over low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help restore creaminess. Stir it often to heat evenly. If you microwave, use a low setting. Heat in short bursts to avoid cooking it too much. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta warm and tasty! Yes, you can switch up the pasta. You can use any shape you like. Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber. Gluten-free options work well too. Just follow the cooking time on the package. Adjust the sauce if you use a different type. The creamy avocado sauce will taste great with all pasta shapes. Creamy avocado pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The avocado may brown a bit, but it will still taste good. To keep it fresh, you can add a splash of lemon juice. This helps slow down browning. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook and cool the pasta first. Make the sauce and store it separately. When you’re ready to eat, mix them together. You may need to add a splash of pasta water to keep it creamy. This way, you get the best taste and texture. This blog post shared how to make creamy avocado pasta. We covered the ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for the best taste. You learned about substitutions and how to pick ripe avocados. I also shared variations for vegan and protein-rich options. Remember, proper storage keeps your dish fresh longer. Enjoy your tasty and healthy pasta! With these steps, you can impress yourself and others. You now have all you need to make this dish a favorite. Happy cooking!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados
12 oz spaghetti or linguine
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves
for garnish cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
While the pasta cooks, cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
Add minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to the blender with the avocados. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
In the pot with the drained pasta, add the creamy avocado sauce. Toss well to combine, ensuring all the pasta is coated with the sauce.
Divide the creamy avocado pasta into bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for extra color and freshness, and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

Notes

Serve in large pasta bowls, garnished with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprig of basil on top. A drizzle of olive oil can enhance the visual appeal beautifully!

Keyword avocado, creamy, pasta, quick meal