Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 12 ounces spaghetti or your pasta of choice - 2 ripe avocados - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 cloves garlic - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Grated Parmesan cheese for serving When I make creamy avocado pasta, I stick to simple, fresh ingredients. The main stars are the ripe avocados and fragrant basil. They give the sauce a lovely green color and rich taste. Using 12 ounces of spaghetti, or any pasta you love, makes this dish filling and fun. For added flavor, I always include garlic. Just two cloves do the trick. A little lemon juice brightens the sauce, while olive oil helps it blend smoothly. You can also add salt and pepper to make it just right for your taste. If you want to spice things up, try red pepper flakes. They add a nice kick! Grated Parmesan cheese is a great topping too. It adds saltiness and creaminess that complements the sauce. To see how to put these ingredients to work, check the Full Recipe. Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook it until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Once done, reserve one cup of pasta water before you drain the rest. This water is key for adjusting the sauce later. In a food processor, combine two ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend these ingredients together until they turn smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach your desired texture. Now, season the avocado sauce with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, add optional red pepper flakes. Mix the hot pasta with the sauce in a large bowl. Toss until the pasta is well coated. If the sauce needs to stick better, add more reserved pasta water. Serve your creamy avocado pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if you wish. Enjoy your meal! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To make creamy avocado pasta, you need ripe avocados. Look for avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them. If they are hard, they are not ready yet. Ripe avocados will have a darker skin. You can also check the stem; if it pops off easily and is green underneath, it’s ripe. For the best flavor and texture, use avocados that are perfectly ripe. To ensure a creamy texture, avoid overripe avocados. They can be brown and mushy. Store ripe avocados in the fridge to keep them fresh longer. If you buy them unripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana. This helps them ripen faster. Cooking pasta the right way matters. Start with a big pot of salted boiling water. Add the pasta and stir to prevent sticking. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Reserving pasta water is key. Set aside one cup of the water before draining the pasta. This water is starchy and will help the sauce stick to the pasta later. Garnishing can elevate your creamy avocado pasta. Try adding fresh basil leaves on top for color and taste. Grated Parmesan cheese also adds a nice touch. If you like a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the dish. For side dishes, consider a fresh salad or garlic bread. A crisp white wine pairs well, too. You can also serve it with lemon water for a refreshing drink. These options will enhance your meal and make it more enjoyable. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can easily add protein to your creamy avocado pasta. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Simply grill your chicken or shrimp until cooked, then mix it into the pasta. The protein enhances the dish and makes it more filling. If you want a vegetarian option, try adding chickpeas. They add texture and protein, making the pasta hearty. Just rinse canned chickpeas and stir them in before serving for a quick boost. For those with dietary restrictions, there are great options. You can use gluten-free pasta if you want to avoid wheat. Many brands offer tasty alternatives made from rice or lentils. If you are vegan, consider using dairy-free cheese. There are many plant-based cheeses available that melt well. They will add creaminess without the dairy, keeping your dish delicious and satisfying. Want to amp up the flavor? You can add spices or herbs to your sauce. A pinch of garlic powder or fresh herbs like oregano can make a big difference. You could also try adding nuts or seeds. Toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds mix well into the sauce and add crunch. These additions not only boost flavor but also add extra nutrients. The creamy avocado base pairs well with any of these new flavors. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To keep creamy avocado pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. This helps avoid air exposure and keeps the dish from turning brown. Always let the pasta cool down to room temperature before sealing. If you have extra sauce, store it separately to maintain its creamy texture. You can freeze avocado pasta, but it's best to freeze only the sauce. Freezing the entire dish may change the texture of the pasta. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of water for smoothness. Creamy avocado pasta lasts about three days in the fridge. Look for changes in color or texture as signs of spoilage. If it smells off or develops mold, it’s best to discard it. Always check before enjoying your leftovers. For the full recipe, visit the previous sections. You can store creamy avocado pasta in the fridge for about 2 days. The sauce may darken due to oxidation. To slow this, cover it tightly. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Yes, you can use frozen avocados. Thaw them first before blending. The texture may be slightly different but still tasty. Frozen avocados work well in this creamy sauce. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Garlic bread for a crunchy bite - A fresh green salad with lemon dressing - Grilled vegetables for added flavor - Roasted chicken or shrimp for protein These options enhance your meal and make it more complete. Enjoy experimenting! In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy avocado pasta, covering key ingredients and instructions. We discussed selecting ripe avocados and cooking pasta to perfection. I shared tips on flavor variations and protein additions to suit your needs. You also learned how to store leftovers properly. Enjoying this dish is easy and satisfying. You can mix it up with different flavors or ingredients. This recipe is a great way to eat healthy and delicious food that everyone will love. Try it today and see for yourself!$

Indulge in a deliciously creamy avocado pasta that’s ready in just 20 minutes! With fresh avocados, basil, and a hint of garlic, this pasta dish is not only simple but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, discover how easy it is to whip up this delectable recipe. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta nights to a whole new level!

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Ingredients

12 ounces spaghetti or your pasta of choice

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the avocados, basil leaves, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is achieved.

Season the Sauce: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the avocado sauce and pulse a few more times to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot pasta with the avocado sauce until well coated. If necessary, add more of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta.

Serve: Plate the creamy avocado pasta in bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Garnish with additional basil leaves for a pop of color.

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