- Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 12 oz linguine or spaghetti - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed To make creamy avocado pasta, you need a few simple ingredients. First, choose your pasta. I like using linguine or spaghetti. Both cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Next, grab two ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. These will create that creamy texture we love. You also need garlic for flavor. Mince two cloves to add a nice kick to the sauce. Lastly, fresh basil leaves bring a sweet, herbal note that brightens the dish. - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and black pepper to taste - Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes While the essential ingredients are key, optional ones can enhance your dish. I often add olive oil for extra creaminess. It also helps blend the sauce smoothly. If you enjoy cheese, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan. It adds richness and depth to the flavor. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. Both help balance the taste. Cherry tomatoes look lovely on top and add freshness. Crushed red pepper flakes can give the dish a nice kick if you like spice. For the full recipe, check the details above. 1. Boil Salted Water: Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. This will help season the pasta while it cooks. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 2. Time of Cooking for Al Dente: Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of linguine or spaghetti. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard when you bite into it. 1. Blending Technique for Creaminess: While the pasta cooks, prepare the sauce. In a blender or food processor, add 2 ripe avocados, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend until everything is smooth and creamy. The key is to make sure there are no lumps. 2. Seasoning the Sauce: After blending, taste the sauce. Add salt and black pepper to your liking. This step is crucial for boosting the flavor of your sauce. 1. Mixing Technique: Once the pasta is cooked, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the creamy avocado sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. 2. Adjusting Consistency with Pasta Water: If the sauce feels too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. Do this gradually until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Mixing well ensures every bite is delicious. Following these steps makes a quick and tasty weeknight meal. You can find the full recipe for more details. - Selecting the right pasta type: Use linguine or spaghetti for this dish. Both types hold the creamy sauce well. They cook evenly and complement the avocado sauce nicely. - Saltiness of the water for flavor: Salt your pasta water well. It should taste like the sea. This step adds flavor to the pasta itself, enhancing the overall dish. - Choosing ripe avocados: Look for avocados that yield slightly to pressure. They should be dark green, smooth, and feel soft but not mushy. This ensures a creamy sauce. - Adding spices or herbs for flavor: Spice up your sauce with crushed red pepper or fresh herbs. A pinch of cumin or a squeeze of lime can add a new twist. - Pairing with proteins: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. This makes the meal heartier and satisfies your hunger. - Best garnishes for presentation: Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes or fresh basil. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or crushed nuts adds texture and flavor. These tips will help you create a delicious, creamy avocado pasta that impresses every time. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier sections. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the recipe. If you want to skip the Parmesan cheese, try nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also use vegan cheese if that suits your taste. For pasta, I love using whole wheat or gluten-free options like chickpea pasta. They add unique flavors and textures. If you need a vegan dish, just leave out the Parmesan cheese. The creamy avocado sauce is rich enough on its own. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa. Both options work well and keep the dish delicious. Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp complements the creamy sauce. Just cook the protein separately and toss it in before serving. If you like it spicy, add crushed red pepper flakes while mixing the sauce. You can also stir in some jalapeños for an extra kick. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container. This helps to prevent browning. Use the pasta within two days for best taste. Before sealing, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta. This limits air exposure and keeps the vibrant green color. Freezing avocado pasta is tricky due to the avocados. They can change texture once thawed. If you want to freeze it, leave out the avocado sauce. Instead, freeze the cooked pasta. Place it in a freezer bag, and remove as much air as possible. It will last up to three months. When ready to eat, cook fresh avocado sauce and mix it with the thawed pasta. When reheating, avoid the microwave if possible. It can make pasta mushy. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir gently to warm up. If you find the pasta dry, a bit of reserved pasta water can help. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. To find the best avocados, look for ones that are slightly soft. Gently press with your fingers. If it gives just a bit, it's ripe. Avoid avocados that feel mushy or have dark spots. These signs mean they may be overripe. Green, firm avocados are not ready yet, but you can ripen them at home. Simply leave them on the counter for a few days. Yes, you can prep some ingredients early. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge. It stays good for 3-5 days. You can also make the avocado sauce ahead of time. Just add a bit of lemon juice to keep it fresh. Store the sauce in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, mix it all together. This pasta pairs well with a simple salad. A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette works nicely. You can also serve garlic bread or roasted veggies on the side. If you want some protein, grilled chicken or shrimp complements the dish perfectly. For a light touch, add a sprinkle of feta cheese. Yes, creamy avocado pasta is a healthy choice. Avocados are rich in healthy fats. They provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Garlic adds flavor and boosts your immune system. Pasta gives you energy from carbs. You can use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. This dish is tasty and nutritious, making it a great meal choice. Creamy avocado pasta is simple and fun to make. You learned about essential ingredients like ripe avocados and fresh basil. I shared tips for cooking pasta and mixing it perfectly with the sauce. You can also try fun variations and storage tips for later. This dish is not just tasty; it’s packed with nutrients too. Enjoy making this delightful meal and let your creativity shine!$

Indulge in a deliciously creamy avocado pasta that's quick and easy to make! This recipe combines fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, garlic, and basil for a rich sauce that will elevate your pasta game. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrition.

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Ingredients

12 oz linguine or spaghetti

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

2 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Salt and black pepper to taste

Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside.

Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, minced garlic, basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the avocado sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until reaching your desired creamy consistency.

Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Serve: Plate the pasta, garnishing each serving with halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice, if desired.

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