Creamy Avocado Pasta

$To make this creamy avocado pasta, you need these main ingredients: - 12 oz whole grain spaghetti - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, minced - ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients come together to create a rich and creamy sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. You can add your own twist to this dish with these optional ingredients: - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick) - ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish) Feel free to mix and match to fit your taste. You can add protein or veggies to make it heartier. This dish is not just delicious; it also offers great nutrition: - Avocados provide healthy fats and fiber, which support heart health. - Whole grain spaghetti adds complex carbs and keeps you fuller longer. - Garlic contains antioxidants and may boost your immune system. - Basil is rich in vitamins and has anti-inflammatory properties. - Lemon juice adds vitamin C and aids digestion. Enjoy the creamy goodness while knowing it's good for you too! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 12 ounces of whole grain spaghetti. Cook the spaghetti until it is al dente, which takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, reserve half a cup of pasta water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Drain the spaghetti and set it aside for now. Grab a food processor and add two ripe avocados, pitted and peeled. Next, add two minced garlic cloves and ¼ cup of fresh basil leaves. Squeeze in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and pour in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend everything until it is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of reserved pasta water at a time. Blend until you reach the perfect texture. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with the creamy avocado sauce. Make sure to coat all the strands evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in more reserved pasta water. This helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. For extra flavor, add salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes for a fresh touch. Your dish is ready to serve! To get the best creamy texture, use ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. When blending, add olive oil and lemon juice. This mix helps make the sauce smooth. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water. Do this one tablespoon at a time. Keep blending until you get that creamy dream. Garnishes make your dish pop! Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Cherry tomatoes bring a nice crunch and color. Toasted pine nuts add a nutty flavor. You can sprinkle them on top just before serving. Try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. These small touches elevate your plate! One mistake is not using enough lemon juice. It brightens the sauce and keeps avocados from browning. Another error is overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente to keep it firm. Don’t skip on seasoning! Salt and pepper enhance the flavors. Finally, avoid blending too long. You want a creamy texture, not a puree. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy texture. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Unripe avocados can result in a less desirable consistency. Cook Pasta Al Dente: Follow the package instructions to cook the spaghetti al dente. This will give the pasta a nice bite and help it hold onto the sauce better. Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the avocado sauce for additional flavor. Fresh parsley or cilantro can be great alternatives to basil. Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed immediately after preparing, as the avocado can brown over time. If you need to store it, add a bit more lemon juice to slow the browning process. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Simply skip any cheese and use plant-based ingredients. The creamy texture comes from the avocados. They give all the richness you need. Use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. It adds a nice twist without dairy. If you want more protein, try adding cooked chicken or tofu. Grilled chicken gives a nice smoky flavor. For a plant-based option, use firm tofu. Cube it and pan-fry until golden brown. Mix it into your pasta for a filling meal. You can also add beans for extra protein and fiber. Swapping ingredients can make this dish exciting. Try using different herbs like cilantro or parsley. They will change the taste profile while keeping it fresh. You can also replace cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes. They add a sweet and tangy kick. For a nutty flavor, swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge right after you finish eating. Make sure to eat it within two days for the best taste. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps the sauce get creamy again. Use the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Stir often to avoid burning. Heat until warm, but don’t overcook. You can freeze the avocado sauce. Just blend it and store it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer cubes to a bag. This way, you can use them later. Cook fresh pasta when you're ready to eat. Just thaw the sauce and mix it in. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. Yes, you can use any pasta you like. Whole grain spaghetti is great, but penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta works well too. Just make sure to cook it until it's al dente for the best texture. If you don't have lemon juice, try lime juice. You can also use vinegar, like apple cider or white wine vinegar. Each adds a different taste, but they all help keep your sauce fresh. To make your sauce greener, add more fresh basil leaves. You can also blend in a handful of spinach. This not only boosts color but adds nutrition too. Absolutely! Creamy avocado pasta is perfect for meal prep. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. Just mix them together when you're ready to eat. The avocado sauce stays good for about 2-3 days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. Adding a bit of lemon juice helps slow down browning. Creamy avocado pasta is not only easy to make, but it's also healthy. We explored key ingredients and their benefits. I shared simple steps for cooking pasta and making the sauce. You learned tips for perfect texture and common mistakes to avoid. Variations let you customize it to your taste. Finally, proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh. Enjoy this dish and make it your own!$

Creamy Avocado Pasta

A delicious and healthy pasta dish made with creamy avocado sauce and fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

12 oz whole grain spaghetti
2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
2 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste salt and pepper
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
0.25 cup toasted pine nuts (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a food processor, combine the avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach desired consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained spaghetti with the avocado sauce until the pasta is evenly coated. If desired, stir in more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Add red pepper flakes if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes for added freshness.
Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes.

Keyword avocado, healthy, pasta, vegetarian