Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight

Bright, velvety, and packed with fresh flavor, this creamy avocado pasta delight is the perfect quick meal for any night of the week. Ripe avocados create a luscious, dairy-free sauce that clings to every strand of pasta, while garlic and fresh basil add an aromatic punch. With just a handful of ingredients and only 20 minutes from start to finish, it’s a simple yet indulgent dish that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
• Creamy, rich, and naturally dairy-free (or easily made vegan)
• Fresh, vibrant flavors from basil, lemon, and cherry tomatoes
• Easy to customize with your favorite pasta or add-ins
• Light yet satisfying for lunch or dinner

Ingredients

• Ripe avocados (2 whole, pitted and peeled) – Create a smooth, creamy base
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Adds aromatic depth
• Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens and balances richness
• Fresh basil leaves (1 cup, packed) – Infuses a fresh, herbaceous flavor
• Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup) – Adds umami; use nutritional yeast for vegan
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste) – Enhances and balances flavors
• Pasta (12 oz, spaghetti or fettuccine recommended) – The perfect vessel for the creamy sauce
• Olive oil (¼ cup, plus more for drizzling) – Smooths the sauce and adds richness
• Cherry tomatoes (as needed, halved, for garnish) – Adds sweetness and color
• Extra fresh basil leaves (as needed, for garnish) – Adds a final fresh, aromatic touch

How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. Drain the pasta and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Make the Avocado Sauce

In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese. Process until smooth and creamy. For a thinner sauce, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your preferred consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the warm pasta in the mixing bowl. Gently toss until each strand is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, mix in more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until it reaches the desired texture.

Season and Finish

Drizzle olive oil over the pasta and season generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss again to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.

Serve

Portion the pasta onto serving plates. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves. Drizzle a little extra olive oil for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Tips for Success

• Use perfectly ripe avocados for a silky smooth sauce
• Reserve pasta water—it helps adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor
• Toss gently to avoid mashing the pasta or avocado sauce
• Serve immediately; avocado sauce is best fresh to retain its bright color

Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Food processor or blender
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Recipe Variations

• Vegan: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese
• Protein boost: Add cooked shrimp, chicken, or chickpeas
• Extra flavor: Toss in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted garlic
• Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad for a light, refreshing meal
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added crunch
• Serve with crusty bread to mop up any remaining sauce

FAQs

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but store separately from pasta to prevent discoloration. Add lemon juice to slow browning.

How do I keep the sauce green and fresh?
Use ripe avocados, add lemon juice, and serve immediately after mixing.

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, fettuccine, linguine, penne, or fusilli work well with this creamy sauce.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended; avocado sauce loses its creamy texture when frozen.

Is this sauce heavy?
No, it’s naturally light but creamy, making it a satisfying yet refreshing meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy avocado pasta delight proves that quick meals can be both indulgent and wholesome. Silky, vibrant, and packed with fresh flavor, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a light, elegant dinner. Toss it together, garnish beautifully, and enjoy a luxurious pasta experience in under 20 minutes.

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