Why You’ll Love 15‑Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

Super fast: Ready from start to table in about 20 minutes.
Creamy without dairy: Avocado replaces cream for a rich, velvety sauce.
Fresh flavours: Bright lemon and basil give it a refreshing taste.
Vegan and adaptable: Suitable for vegan diets and easy to customise.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
9 oz (255 g) uncooked pasta (use gluten‑free, if desired)
1 to 2 cloves garlic, to taste
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
4 to 6 tsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
1 tbsp extra‑virgin olive oil
1 ripe medium avocado, pitted
1/4 to 1/2 tsp fine‑grain sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Lemon zest, for serving

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
While the pasta cooks, make the sauce: combine garlic and basil in a food processor and pulse to mince.
Add lemon juice, olive oil, avocado flesh, and 1 tbsp of water; process until smooth, adding more water if too thick.
Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain the pasta, return it to the pot, and stir in the avocado sauce.
Serve immediately topped with lemon zest, extra basil, and black pepper if desired.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3 people
Prep time: about 10 minutes
Cook time: about 10 minutes
Total time: ~20 minutes

Variations

Grain‑free option: Serve the avocado sauce over spiralised zucchini noodles.
Extra veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for more colour and nutrition.
Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or prawns to make the meal heartier.
Cheesy twist: Mix in a bit of grated vegan or dairy cheese if not keeping it dairy‑free.

Storage/Reheating

Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day.
Reheat: Because avocado sauce can brown or thicken, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Gently warm only if needed, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What kind of avocado should I use?

Use a ripe but firm avocado so the sauce is creamy without being too watery.

Can I make this gluten‑free?

Yes — simply substitute your regular pasta with gluten‑free pasta.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

It’s best made just before serving since avocado can brown over time.

What else can I add to this pasta?

You can add veggies like cherry tomatoes or sautéed spinach for extra flavour.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan and dairy‑free.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes — add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced chili to the sauce.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning?

Serve immediately; if you must store, squeeze a bit of lemon juice on the sauce to slow browning.

Can I use other herbs instead of basil?

Cilantro or parsley can be used, though the flavour will change slightly.

What pasta shape works best?

Any pasta shape works, but ones that hold sauce like fusilli or penne are nice.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, if you’re not keeping it dairy‑free, a sprinkle of Parmesan or vegan cheese is delicious.

Conclusion

This creamy avocado pasta is a quick, refreshing, and wholesome meal that brings together bright flavours with smooth texture in under 20 minutes. It’s a perfect go‑to for busy days, and easily adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs.

15‑Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta

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A quick and easy 15-minute creamy avocado pasta recipe that’s perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal. This dish features a smooth avocado sauce blended with garlic, lemon, and basil, tossed with pasta for a refreshing and creamy texture without any cream.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2-3 servings
Category: Main
Method: Boiling, Blending
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

300g dried pasta (e.g. spaghetti or linguine)
2 ripe avocados, halved and stoned
2 garlic cloves, peeled
Juice of 1 lemon
Handful of fresh basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Parmesan or vegan alternative, to serve (optional)

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Instructions

Bring a large pan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.
While the pasta is cooking, scoop the avocado flesh into a food processor.
Add the garlic cloves, lemon juice, basil leaves, and olive oil.
Blend until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water.
Toss the hot pasta with the avocado sauce, adding a splash of the reserved cooking water to loosen if needed.
Serve immediately with grated Parmesan or a vegan alternative, if using.

Notes

Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture.
Add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
This dish is best served fresh as the avocado may brown over time.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 100mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg