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- 2 ripe avocados - 12 oz spaghetti or preferred pasta - 2 cloves garlic - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan nutritional yeast - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) This creamy avocado pasta is simple and quick to make. You only need a few fresh ingredients for a delicious meal. The main stars are ripe avocados, which give the sauce its smooth and rich texture. The garlic adds a nice kick while the basil brings a fresh taste. When I make this dish, I love to use spaghetti, but you can choose any pasta you like. The Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast offers a touch of umami flavor. The lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the creaminess. For the garnish, cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. If you want a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it with salt. - Add the spaghetti and cook until it is al dente, as per the package instructions. - Before draining, remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use. - Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly. - In a food processor, combine the halved avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil. - Blend the mixture on high speed until it becomes smooth and creamy. - If the sauce seems too thick, blend in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. - In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and pour in the creamy avocado sauce. - Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. - Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. - If needed, add more reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's thickness. - Serve the creamy avocado pasta in bowls and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes. - For extra flavor, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top if desired. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta! How to adjust thickness If your avocado sauce is too thick, don't worry! You can easily fix this. Just add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Blend it again until it reaches your desired creaminess. You want a smooth, velvety sauce that clings to your pasta perfectly. Storing unused avocado sauce If you have extra sauce, store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the sauce's surface. This helps prevent browning. Use it within a day or two for the best taste. Tips for perfect al dente pasta For perfect pasta, use a large pot of water. The more water, the better! Add plenty of salt. It helps flavor the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, but taste a minute or two early. You want it tender but with a slight bite. Importance of reserving pasta water Always save some pasta water! This starchy water is a secret weapon. You can use it to adjust your sauce later. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Adding a little can make a big difference. Best accompaniments Creamy avocado pasta pairs well with light dishes. Try a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. These options balance the creamy sauce nicely. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp if you like protein. Ideal pairings for sides or appetizers For sides, consider garlic bread or a simple bruschetta. Both add flavor and texture. For appetizers, serve with a light soup, like tomato basil. These choices create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love. {{image_4}} To make this dish vegan, swap out the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. This change keeps the creamy taste while adding a cheesy flavor. Nutritional yeast is rich in vitamins too, making it a healthy choice. Want to boost your meal? Add some protein! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas work well. These additions make the dish heartier and more filling. You can also try adding cooked lentils for a plant-based option. Herbs and spices can elevate the flavor of your creamy avocado pasta. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness. A squeeze of lime juice can enhance the taste too. For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. These simple twists can make your dish exciting and delicious. To store leftover creamy avocado pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta first. This helps keep it fresh. In the fridge, it lasts for about 2-3 days. If the pasta looks brown, that means the avocado oxidized. It’s still safe to eat, but the color may not be appealing. You can mix in a little lemon juice to help keep the green color. Can you freeze avocado pasta? While you can freeze it, I don’t recommend it. Avocados change texture when frozen. When you thaw it, the sauce may become watery and grainy. If you want to freeze it, store only the sauce in a container. You can freeze it for up to a month. When ready to eat, thaw and mix with freshly cooked pasta. For reheating, use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan. Heat on low and stir gently until warm. This helps keep the sauce smooth. If using the microwave, place it in a bowl. Use a cover to prevent splatters. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Avoid overheating to keep the taste fresh. Creamy avocado pasta lasts about 2 to 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. The sauce may darken over time due to the avocado, but it’s still safe to eat. To keep it fresh, you can squeeze extra lemon juice on top before sealing the container. Yes, you can use many types of pasta! Gluten-free pasta, whole wheat pasta, or even spiralized veggies like zucchini work well. Just cook them as per the package instructions. Each type will bring its own texture and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have avocados, you can use silken tofu or cashews for a similar creaminess. Blend them with garlic and lemon juice to create a smooth sauce. Cooked and pureed cauliflower is another great option. It adds creaminess without a strong flavor. This avocado pasta is simple and quick to make. You start with fresh ingredients like ripe avocados and garlic. Blend them to create a creamy sauce. Toss with al dente pasta, and you’re done! Keep these tips in mind for perfect results. Adjust the sauce thickness and store leftovers properly. You can try different variations, like adding proteins or swapping cheese. Overall, this dish is versatile, tasty, and healthy, making it a must-try for anyone who loves quick meals. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Creamy Avocado Pasta

Craving a delicious and easy-to-make meal? Try this Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe that combines ripe avocados, garlic, and your choice of pasta for a flavorful dish in just minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. Follow our simple instructions and tips to create a creamy sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. Click through for the full recipe and start cooking today!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

12 oz spaghetti or your preferred pasta

Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish

Crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season it generously with salt. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, add the halved avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture is ultra-smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, blend in a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

      Combine: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta and pour in the creamy avocado sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If needed, add additional reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce's consistency.

        Serve: Divide the creamy avocado pasta into serving bowls. Garnish generously with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of color and flavor. If desired, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over each serving for a hint of heat.

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

            - Presentation Tips: For an elegant finish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pasta just before serving and adorn each bowl with a few whole basil leaves. Enjoy the vibrant colors and delicious flavors!