Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados - 2 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz pasta of your choice - Cherry tomatoes (for garnish) - Extra basil leaves (for garnish) - Food processor - Large pot - Colander - Serving bowls When making creamy avocado pasta, you need fresh ingredients for the best taste. Start with two ripe avocados. Choose ones that yield slightly when pressed. Next, grab two cloves of garlic. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. You also need half a cup of fresh basil leaves. This herb gives the dish a bright note. You will need two tablespoons of lemon juice for tang. It balances the creaminess of the avocado. Three tablespoons of olive oil give the sauce a silky texture. For some cheesy flavor, use a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. If you want a vegan option, use nutritional yeast. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. You'll also need twelve ounces of pasta. Spaghetti or fettuccine work well. For garnish, have cherry tomatoes on hand. Halve them for a pop of color. Extra basil leaves add a nice touch on top. Gather these tools: a food processor, a large pot, a colander, and serving bowls. These items make the process smooth and easy. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Make sure it is bubbling well. Next, add your pasta. I like to use spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but cooked through. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before you drain the pasta. This water helps later to make the sauce creamy. Now, let's make the creamy sauce. In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, garlic, and fresh basil leaves. Next, add the lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste! Blend everything until it's smooth and creamy. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creamy consistency. You want it to be rich and easy to mix. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss the pasta well. Make sure every strand is coated with that delicious sauce. If the mixture feels dry, add more of the reserved pasta water a little at a time. This keeps everything smooth and creamy. Taste the pasta. If it needs more flavor, sprinkle in a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Enjoy! To make the sauce truly smooth, use ripe avocados. They blend easily and create a rich, creamy base. When mixing, gradually add reserved pasta water. This helps reach your perfect sauce texture without making it too runny. To bring out the best in your dish, adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This adds zest and balances the creaminess. You can also experiment with different herbs. Fresh parsley, dill, or cilantro can add exciting layers of flavor. For a polished look, drizzle the pasta with olive oil. This gives a glossy finish that looks appealing. Use colorful garnishes like halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. They not only add color but also enhance the taste. {{image_2}} For a vegan twist, swap out the Parmesan cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead. This change keeps the flavor while making the dish plant-based. Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy taste and extra nutrients. It’s a simple switch that everyone will love. Want to amp up the flavor? Consider adding spinach or arugula to the pasta. These greens blend well with the avocado sauce. They boost nutrition without changing the taste much. If you like protein, add grilled chicken or shrimp. These additions make the meal heartier and more filling. Looking for a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. You can also try zoodles, which are spiralized zucchini. Zoodles are low in carbs and add a nice crunch. Both options work great with the creamy avocado sauce. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right away. This dish tastes best within 1-2 days. After that, the avocado may brown and the sauce may lose its charm. When you want to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat them in a pan. Add a splash of olive oil to help with the texture. If the sauce looks too thick, add a bit of water or broth. This will help bring it back to life. Stir well and enjoy a creamy meal again! Store your avocado in an airtight container. Add a bit of lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice slows down browning. This way, your avocado stays fresh longer. Yes, you can mash the avocados and ingredients by hand. This gives a chunkier texture. Use a fork or potato masher for this task. It’s a fun way to get your hands involved! Yes, this dish is very healthy. It’s packed with good fats and vitamins from avocados. These fats help your body absorb nutrients and keep you full. Plus, it’s a great source of fiber. Pair it with a fresh salad or garlic bread. Both add nice textures and flavors. A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing works wonders. Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser! Creamy avocado pasta is simple and tasty. With just a few ingredients and tools, you can whip up a delightful dish. Remember to use ripe avocados for the best texture. Adjust flavors to your liking and try new ingredients. Store leftovers well to enjoy later. This meal is healthy and quick, perfect for busy days. Enjoy your cooking journey with creamy avocado pasta and make it your own!$

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy avocado pasta recipe! Made with ripe avocados, fresh basil, and just a hint of garlic, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special treat, it's a delightful blend of flavors and textures.

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

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

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine works great)

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

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

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a food processor, combine the avocados, garlic, basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Mix the Pasta and Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce. Toss until the pasta is fully coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to keep the mixture creamy and smooth.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if preferred.

Serve: Plate the creamy avocado pasta, garnishing with halved cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves on top for a pop of color.

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

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in wide bowls, drizzled with a little extra olive oil and topped with a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a vibrant presentation.