Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

The first time I made this, my roommate walked in mid-blend and asked if I was making dessert for dinner. That vibrant green sauce stops people every time. Now its my go-to when I want something that feels indulgent but actually leaves me feeling light and energized.

I made this for a dinner party last spring when my friend announced she was going vegetarian. Everyone was skeptical about green pasta, but we ended up fighting over the last serving. Now she requests it every time she visits.

Ingredients

• Pasta: Spaghetti or linguine catches the silky sauce beautifully, though any long pasta works wonderfully here
• Avocados: Choose perfectly ripe ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest texture
• Fresh spinach: Adds brightness and nutrients without overpowering the delicate avocado flavor
• Garlic: Rough chopping is fine since the blender will do the work of breaking it down
• Extra virgin olive oil: Creates that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this sauce feel so indulgent
• Fresh lemon juice: Essential for balancing the richness and keeping the avocado vibrant green
• Parmesan or nutritional yeast: Adds umami depth, choose based on your dietary preferences
• Walnuts: Their crunch and slight bitterness create perfect contrast against the creamy sauce

Instructions

Cook the pasta:

Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, saving that starchy cooking water before draining.

Blend the sauce:

Combine avocados, spinach, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Parmesan in your food processor, blending until completely smooth.

Bring it together:

Toss the hot pasta immediately with the sauce, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until it coats each strand beautifully.

Finish with flair:

Top with chopped walnuts and any extra Parmesan or fresh basil you have on hand.

Pin Recipe

This recipe transformed my weeknight dinner game forever. Its become the meal I make when I need to remind myself that healthy food can be just as comforting as the heavy stuff.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a handful of cherry tomatoes right at the end so they warm through but stay burst-in-your-mouth fresh. Roasted vegetables work beautifully too if you want to bulk it up for hungrier crowds.

Perfect Pairings

A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness beautifully. For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon mirrors the bright notes in the sauce.

Storage and Prep

The sauce is best made fresh but you can prep all your ingredients beforehand. The walnuts can be toasted ahead for extra crunch.

• Mix any leftovers with a splash of olive oil before reheating gently
• The sauce does not freeze well due to the avocado texture changing
• Leftovers are best enjoyed within one day for optimal texture

Pin Recipe

There is something so satisfying about a meal that looks impressive but comes together faster than delivery arrives. Enjoy every vibrant bite.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I achieve a creamy sauce consistency?

Blend ripe avocados with spinach, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, then thin the mixture with reserved pasta water until smooth and silky.

→ Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?

Yes, pecans or almonds make great crunchy alternatives that complement the creamy sauce.

→ How to make this dish vegan-friendly?

Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and ensure the pasta contains no eggs or dairy.

→ What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal as their shape holds the creamy avocado-spinach sauce well.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Yes, cherry tomatoes or roasted veggies add color and depth without overpowering the creamy flavors.