Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick and healthy meal that combines tender pasta with a rich, creamy sauce made from fresh avocado, lemon, garlic, and cilantro. This bright and satisfying dish comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces penne pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup white onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 medium avocado
• 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Pepper to taste
• For serving: chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, avoiding browning. Transfer the onion and garlic to a food processor.
3. Step 3: In the food processor, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, avocado, cilantro, lemon juice, and sea salt. Process until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, blend in a small amount of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
4. Step 4: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado sauce over the pasta and gently toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water little by little if the sauce needs loosening.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately, garnished with additional chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pasta and check that all ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add a squeeze of extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
• For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• If you prefer a thinner sauce, gradually add more pasta water until you reach the perfect consistency.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce contains avocado, it may darken slightly but the flavor remains good. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you like. Penne works well, but spaghetti, fusilli, or bowtie pasta are also good options.

How can I keep the avocado sauce from browning?

The lemon juice in the sauce helps prevent browning. It’s best to prepare and serve the dish immediately for the freshest taste and appearance.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 65 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick and healthy dish featuring penne pasta tossed in a fresh, vibrant sauce made from ripe avocado, lemon juice, garlic, onion, and cilantro. This easy-to-make recipe offers a satisfying, creamy texture without any dairy, making it a perfect light meal or side dish packed with flavor and nutrients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Cooking Base

• 8 ounces penne pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/4 white onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Avocado Sauce

• 1 medium avocado
• 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• Pepper to taste

For Serving

• Chopped cilantro
• Pumpkin seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Onion and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic into a food processor.
3. Create the Avocado Sauce: In the food processor, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, avocado, cilantro, lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as preferred. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water and blend again until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour the avocado sauce over it. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add additional reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce and ensure all pasta is well coated.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately on plates, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor if desired.

Notes

• To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and confirm all other ingredients, especially seasonings, are gluten-free certified.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce.
• Leftover pasta can be refrigerated and served cold or gently reheated with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
• This sauce works well as a spread or dip with bread or crackers as an alternative.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: avocado pasta, creamy avocado sauce, healthy pasta recipe, quick pasta, vegan pasta sauce, gluten-free pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta