Creamy Avocado Pasta

$To make creamy avocado pasta, gather these key items: - 12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients blend to form a rich, creamy sauce. The avocados give the dish its smooth texture. Basil adds a fresh flavor, while the garlic gives it a lovely kick. You can also mix in these optional ingredients to change the taste: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Spinach or kale for extra greens - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy touch - Chicken or shrimp for added protein These options make your creamy avocado pasta more unique. Feel free to play with flavors and textures! To finish your dish, consider these garnishes: - Halved cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness - A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for spice - Extra basil leaves for a fresh touch Garnishes not only enhance the look of your dish but also add more flavor. They make your creamy avocado pasta even more inviting! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of your favorite pasta, like spaghetti. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. When done, reserve half a cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a food processor. Add 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled. Then, toss in 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese for flavor. Blend all these ingredients until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach your desired consistency. Now, take a large mixing bowl. Add the drained pasta to the bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is nicely coated. If it looks dry, add more of the reserved pasta water slowly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also adjust the lemon juice or add more herbs for extra flavor. Finally, plate the pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! When picking avocados, look for ripe ones. A ripe avocado feels slightly soft when you press it. Avoid ones that are too mushy or have dark spots. If you can’t find ripe avocados, buy hard ones. Let them ripen at room temperature for a few days. Check them daily for ripeness. To get a creamy texture, blend the avocado well. Use a food processor for the best mix. If your sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This helps you reach the perfect creaminess. Mixing in fresh basil gives the sauce a smooth feel. Add more flavor by mixing in herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro work well. You can also try a pinch of crushed red pepper for heat. For a zesty kick, add more lemon juice. Finally, try different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure. Adjusting Creaminess: If your avocado sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creamy consistency. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh basil will elevate the flavor of the dish. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but fresh is always best! Garnish for Color: Adding cherry tomatoes not only gives a pop of color but also a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the avocado sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor while keeping the dish plant-based. Simply replace the cheese in the recipe with 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast. This swap keeps your creamy avocado pasta rich and tasty. Feel free to switch up the pasta. While spaghetti works great, you can use any pasta you like. Try whole wheat, gluten-free, or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option. Just remember to cook them according to the package directions. This way, you can enjoy your creamy avocado pasta in different forms. Boost the nutrition of your creamy avocado pasta by adding proteins or veggies. Cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas pair well. You could also toss in spinach, peas, or bell peppers for color and crunch. Add these extras when you mix the pasta with the sauce. This makes your meal even more filling and delicious. To store leftover creamy avocado pasta, place it in a clean, airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep out air. This will help keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to two days. If you plan to eat it later, try to add a bit more lemon juice. This helps slow down browning. When you reheat your creamy avocado pasta, do it gently. I recommend using a pan on low heat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce. Stir often to keep the creamy texture. You can also microwave it, but do so in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. For storing your pasta, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They keep food fresh and are easy to clean. Choose a container that seals tightly. This will prevent air from getting in and spoiling your dish. If you want to freeze it, use freezer-safe bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Yes, you can make the avocado sauce ahead of time. Just blend the sauce as directed. Then, store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, add some extra lemon juice on top. This will help slow down browning. When you are ready to eat, just mix it with the cooked pasta. If you want a substitute for Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use pecorino cheese for a different taste. If you want a nut-free option, try a bit of ground cashews. This will keep the dish creamy and tasty. To stop avocados from browning, use a bit of lemon juice. This acid slows down the oxidation process. Make sure to cover the sauce tightly when storing it. You can also press plastic wrap directly onto the surface. This will limit air exposure and keep the green color. Making creamy avocado pasta is simple and fun. We covered the best ingredients, from essential items to garnishes. You learned step-by-step how to cook the pasta and make the sauce. Tips on choosing avocados and keeping the dish creamy help you perfect your meal. We also looked at tasty variations and smart storage methods. Finally, I answered your common questions. Enjoy making this dish your own. It's a quick, healthy option for any meal!$

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados and fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz spaghetti or your favorite pasta
2 pieces ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 4 cup fresh basil leaves
1 4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
1 4 cup olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish
optional crushed red pepper flakes for spice

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta and the creamy avocado sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated. If it appears too dry, gradually mix in more of the reserved pasta water.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the lemon juice or add more herbs if desired for extra flavor.
Plate the creamy avocado pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a kick, if you like.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast.

Keyword avocado, creamy, pasta, vegetarian