Description

This creamy avocado pasta is a quick and delicious meal that combines ripe avocados with fresh basil and garlic for a luscious, dairy-rich sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, offering a vibrant, creamy alternative to traditional pasta sauces.

Ingredients

Pasta

12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or preferred type)

Sauce

2 ripe avocados
1 cup fresh basil leaves
2 garlic cloves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (or as needed)

Optional Toppings

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
Red pepper flakes
Toasted pine nuts

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the blended sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition, until the sauce achieves a creamy, pourable texture.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the hot drained pasta to the pot or transfer to a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta and toss well to coat evenly.
Add Toppings and Serve: Garnish the avocado pasta with optional toppings such as cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and toasted pine nuts for extra flavor and texture. Add fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese if desired before serving.

Notes

If you prefer a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.
Be sure to use ripe avocados to achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
Reserve pasta water is essential for adjusting the sauce’s consistency perfectly.
This pasta is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day; the avocado sauce may darken slightly.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to enhance freshness and prevent browning.