Why You’ll Love Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
This creamy avocado pasta checks all the right boxes for a delicious homemade meal:
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It’s ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.
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The sauce is naturally creamy without any dairy.
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It’s loaded with healthy fats and nutrients from avocado and spinach.
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You can customize it easily with your favorite pasta or add-ins.
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It’s perfect for both adults and kids.
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It requires minimal cooking skills and simple pantry ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner idea or a meatless meal option, this recipe delivers bold flavor with very little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the pasta
pasta of your choice
water
salt
For the avocado sauce
ripe avocados
garlic cloves
baby spinach (optional)
fresh lemon juice
olive oil (optional)
crushed black pepper
salt
water or reserved pasta water
For garnish
red chili flakes
Directions
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt generously to season the water.
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Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Before draining, reserve a small amount of pasta water. Then drain the pasta and set aside.
To prepare the sauce:
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In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, garlic, baby spinach, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and a small amount of water or reserved pasta water.
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Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add more water gradually if needed to reach your desired consistency.
To assemble:
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Transfer the drained pasta to a large bowl.
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Pour the avocado sauce over the warm pasta and toss gently until evenly coated.
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Sprinkle red chili flakes on top for a touch of heat.
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Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
Servings: 2 to 3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
Add protein
Mix in grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
Make it extra creamy
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
Use different greens
Swap spinach with fresh basil, parsley, or even arugula for a different flavor profile.
Make it spicy
Blend a small green chili into the sauce or increase the amount of red chili flakes.
Add vegetables
Toss in roasted cherry tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
Creamy avocado pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as avocado tends to oxidize and darken over time.
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The sauce may darken slightly, but it will still taste good.
To reheat
Gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Avoid overheating, as it can affect the texture of the avocado.
For best results, prepare the sauce just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, the base recipe is naturally vegan as it does not contain dairy or animal products.
What type of pasta works best?
Penne, spaghetti, linguine, or fusilli all work well. You can also use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
How do I prevent the avocado sauce from turning brown?
Adding fresh lemon juice helps slow oxidation. Keeping the sauce covered tightly also reduces exposure to air.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
It’s best to prepare the sauce just before serving. If needed, you can refrigerate it for a few hours with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface.
Can I freeze avocado sauce?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture may change once thawed.
Is spinach necessary in this recipe?
No, spinach is optional. It adds nutrients and color but can be omitted or replaced with other herbs.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, grated parmesan or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can enhance the flavor if you’re not keeping it dairy-free.
What can I serve with creamy avocado pasta?
It pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can work in a pinch.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Avocados vary in size and moisture. Simply add a little more water or reserved pasta water and blend again until smooth.
Conclusion
Creamy Avocado Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create an incredibly rich and satisfying meal. With its silky texture, bright flavor, and quick preparation time, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome and comforting. Easy to customize and naturally creamy, it’s a refreshing twist on traditional pasta dishes that you’ll enjoy making again and again.
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick and easy vegetarian pasta recipe made with ripe avocados, garlic, basil, and lemon juice blended into a smooth, creamy sauce and tossed with cooked pasta for a fresh and flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or penne)
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, garlic, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, red chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add a few tablespoons of reserved pasta water to the sauce to loosen it if needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce until evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and top with grated Parmesan cheese if using. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture.
- Add cherry tomatoes or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
- The sauce may darken over time; serve immediately for best color and taste.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
