Creamy Avocado Pasta (Printable Version)

Ripe avocados and herbs create a creamy sauce tossed with pasta for a quick, flavorful Italian-inspired meal.

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 ounces spaghetti or linguine
02 - Salt for boiling water

→ Avocado Sauce

03 - 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
04 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled
05 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
06 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
07 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 1/4 cup water
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Finish

11 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
12 - Fresh basil leaves for garnish
13 - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

# How to Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook spaghetti or linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain using a colander.
02 - While the pasta cooks, blend avocados, garlic, fresh basil, lemon juice, olive oil, water, salt, and black pepper in a blender or food processor. Process until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour avocado sauce over the noodles and toss thoroughly to achieve even coating. If necessary, add reserved pasta water in small increments until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
04 - Transfer to serving bowls. Top with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick weeknight meal with only twenty minutes from prep to plate
  • Packed with healthy fats from avocado for a satisfying bite
  • Uses fresh herbs for bright Italian-inspired flavor
  • Versatile base recipe that takes on extra toppings easily
02 -
  • Loaded with heart-healthy fats and antioxidants
  • Needs to be eaten fresh for the greenest brightest flavor
  • Easy to personalize with vegetables or protein additions
03 -
  • Use only ripe avocados that yield gently to finger pressure and have no brown spots inside for smoothest sauce
  • Blending fresh herbs with the other ingredients makes the greenest most fragrant sauce
  • Save a little pasta water and add it slowly until the consistency is luscious enough to coat every noodle
  • Taste and adjust your sauce seasoning right before tossing it with hot pasta so flavors shine through
  • Clean your blender or food processor immediately after making the sauce to avoid lingering garlic or basil aroma

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