Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Extra basil leaves for garnish For this creamy avocado pasta, you need fresh and ripe avocados. They give the dish its smooth texture. Garlic adds a nice punch, while lemon juice brightens the flavor. Fresh basil leaves bring an aromatic touch to the sauce. Olive oil adds richness, and red pepper flakes give a hint of heat. You can use any pasta you like, but I recommend spaghetti. The Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice salty finish to the dish. - Alternative pasta choices (gluten-free, whole wheat) - Dairy-free Parmesan options - Additional herbs and spices If you want to change up the pasta, gluten-free or whole wheat options work well. For a dairy-free version, try using plant-based Parmesan. You can also add extra herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to enhance the flavors. - Calories and macronutrient breakdown - Potential health benefits of ingredients This dish is packed with healthy fats from avocados. They are a great source of fiber and vitamins. Garlic has many health benefits, too, including boosting immunity. The olive oil adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Each serving is satisfying and full of nutrients, making it a smart choice for any meal. Check the full recipe for more details on the exact nutritional values. To cook spaghetti to al dente, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your spaghetti and cook it according to the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want it firm to the bite, not mushy. Tips for boiling pasta perfectly: - Use a large pot for even cooking. - Stir the pasta in the first minute to prevent sticking. - Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. For the avocado sauce, grab your food processor or blender. Add the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Tips for achieving the right sauce consistency: - If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. - Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked spaghetti with the creamy avocado sauce. Make sure each piece is well coated. Tips for adjusting sauce thickness: - If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add more reserved pasta water. - Mix well until you reach your desired creaminess. For the full recipe, check the previous section. Enjoy this simple yet delicious dish! To boost the taste of your creamy avocado pasta, you can add spices. Try mixing in garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. A pinch of cayenne pepper can give your dish a nice kick. You might also like to add nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can add a great crunch. Sprinkle some pumpkin seeds on top for a fun twist. These additions enhance both flavor and texture. When serving, pair the pasta with a fresh salad. A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette works well. You can also serve alongside garlic bread for a filling meal. For drinks, a crisp white wine complements this dish nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon. Both pair perfectly with the creamy flavors of the pasta. Preparing ingredients ahead of time makes cooking easier. Chop your garlic and basil the night before. You can also slice the avocados and store them in lemon juice to prevent browning. Serve your creamy avocado pasta right after mixing. This keeps it fresh and creamy. If you let it sit, the sauce may thicken too much. Enjoy it straight from the bowl for the best taste! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} To make this dish vegan, swap the Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free option. You can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Also, check your pasta. Make sure it has no eggs. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta works great, too. If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh chili peppers. Jalapeños or serranos add a nice kick. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Spice levels can really change the dish! For a refreshing twist, turn this pasta into a salad. Use cold pasta with the creamy avocado sauce. Add in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell peppers for crunch. This version is perfect for picnics or summer meals. Check the full recipe to see how to prepare it! To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It stays good for about 1 to 2 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. If your pasta has some creaminess left, it will taste better later! You can freeze creamy avocado pasta, but it may change texture. To freeze, pack the pasta in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This method helps keep some creaminess. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the sauce too thick. Instead, use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it creamy. Stir often until warm. This way, you keep the delicious flavor intact! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. To prepare in advance, follow these tips: - Cook the pasta and let it cool. - Make the avocado sauce separately. - Store both items in airtight containers. - Combine them just before serving for the best texture. If you are allergic to avocados, consider these alternatives for a creamy texture: - Use silken tofu for a smooth base. - Try cashew cream made by blending soaked cashews. - Use a ripe banana for a different flavor. Each option brings a unique taste, but they keep the dish creamy. Yes, creamy avocado pasta is great for meal prep. Here are some storage tips: - Store the pasta and sauce separately to maintain freshness. - Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. - Consume within 3 days for the best quality. To stop your avocado from browning, try these tips: - Add lemon juice to the cut avocado. - Cover tightly with plastic wrap to limit air contact. - Store it with onion slices in a sealed container. These methods help keep your avocado fresh and green for longer. You can create a delicious creamy avocado pasta using simple ingredients. The main elements include ripe avocados, garlic, and fresh basil. You can customize it with optional items like gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese. Cooking the pasta properly and making a smooth sauce are key steps. Remember, this dish is not only tasty but also healthy. So, go ahead and enjoy this easy, creamy pasta that you can share with others and feel great about!$

Craving a quick and delicious meal? Try this creamy avocado pasta recipe! With fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, garlic, and basil, you can whip up a flavorful dish that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this adaptable recipe meets various dietary needs. Click through to explore step-by-step instructions and tips for making the perfect creamy avocado pasta everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

2 ripe avocados

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz spaghetti or your pasta of choice

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if necessary to reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy avocado sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta in individual bowls, garnishing each with halved cherry tomatoes, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if using), and extra basil leaves.

Enjoy: Serve immediately while creamy and fresh!

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4