Avocado Pasta Recipe
This healthy dish is creamy, without any cream. The sauce is full of fresh herbs and lemon, and it clings beautifully to every strand of pasta. It comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner.
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
- 1 lemon, freshly juiced, plus zest for garnish
- 2 large garlic cloves, peeled
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces pasta, uncooked, your choice
- black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- freshly grated Parmesan, highly recommended
- tomatoes, diced
- fresh basil leaves, torn
- lemon zest
Instructions
- Blend lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, paprika, parsley, basil, and olive oil together in a food processor until smooth. Add avocado.
- Continue processing until smooth and creamy. Add black pepper and additional kosher salt to taste. Set sauce aside in air tight container, with cling wrap resting directly on top of sauce to keep air out.
- In a large heavy pot, bring well-salted water to boil. Cook pasta just until al dente, according to package.
- Drain pasta in strainer and sprinkle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place pasta in a serving dish and toss with sauce.
- Sprinkle with plenty of fresh parmesan and garnish as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Save some pasta water. A splash can loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
- Toss pasta while warm. Warm noodles absorb the sauce better and helps it coat evenly.
- Keep air out when storing. Press plastic wrap directly on the sauce surface to prevent browning.
- Serve immediately. The avocado sauce tastes best fresh, while it’s creamy and full of flavor.
- This recipe is part of our Pastas and Pizzas Recipe Collection.
- We love serving this creamy pasta alongside some Rosemary Garlic Bread or Olive Garden Breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 491kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 15g | Sodium: 1179mg | Potassium: 703mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 798IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 2mg