Why You’ll Love Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce Recipe
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You can make it in under 20 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
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It’s dairy-free, oil-free, and vegan without skimping on creaminess.
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Uses simple, nourishing ingredients you likely already have.
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Versatile — great warm or cold as a pasta salad, and easy to adapt with add-ins.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
pasta of your choice (about 7 oz)
small ripe avocado (about half to one)
fresh basil leaves
lemon juice and zest
garlic clove
salt
black pepper
pasta cooking water
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
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In a blender, add the avocado, basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice and zest, salt, pepper, and some reserved pasta water.
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Blend until smooth, adding more pasta water a little at a time to reach a creamy consistency.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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Toss the sauce with cooked pasta until well coated.
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Serve immediately with optional toppings like parmesan or nutritional yeast.
Servings and timing
Serves: 2 main-dish portions
Prep time: ~5 minutes
Cook time: ~10 minutes
Total time: ~15 minutes
Variations
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Add sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or spinach for extra veggies.
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Sprinkle toasted nuts (pine nuts or walnuts) on top for crunch.
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Substitute nutritional yeast or grated parmesan for a different flavor profile.
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Serve with chicken, salmon, or tofu for added protein.
Storage/Reheating
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for 1–2 days. The flavor may mellow over time, so fresh lemon juice or seasoning can brighten it before serving again. Note that reheating can slightly change the avocado’s flavor and texture, so gently warm or serve at room temperature.
FAQs
What kind of pasta works best with this sauce?
Long pastas like spaghetti or linguine work well, but feel free to use shells, penne, gluten-free pasta, or even vegetable noodles.
Can I make this sauce without a blender?
A food processor can work too, though the sauce might be a little less silky smooth.
Is this recipe vegan?
Yes — it’s vegan as written. If you add cheese, choose a plant-based alternative to keep it vegan.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Avocado oxidizes (browns) quickly, so it’s best made just before serving. If you must prepare early, store with extra lemon juice and airtight in the fridge.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Slowly add reserved pasta water while blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Can I freeze avocado pasta sauce?
Freezing may change the texture and flavor, though it can be experimented with in an airtight container for 1–2 months.
What can I serve with this pasta?
Try a side salad, roasted veggies, or grilled protein like chicken or tofu.
Is this sauce healthy?
Yes — it’s rich in healthy fats from avocado and made without cream or oil.
Can I add other herbs or spices?
Absolutely — parsley, mint, red pepper flakes, or chili powder can enhance the flavor.
What if I don’t have basil?
Spinach or kale can be substituted, though basil gives the classic fresh flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy avocado pasta sauce is a quick, delicious, and nourishing option that’s both versatile and easy to make. Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or just love fresh pasta dishes, this recipe delivers creamy texture and bright flavor with minimal effort. Enjoy it warm for dinner or cold as a pasta salad, and customize it to suit your taste and ingredients on hand.
