Avocado Dream Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/3 cup high-quality olive oil - 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste These main ingredients create a rich and creamy pasta sauce. The ripe avocados add a smooth texture. Garlic gives a nice kick, while basil adds fresh flavor. Lemon juice brightens the dish, and olive oil makes it silky. - 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (omit for a vegan option) - Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish - Crushed red pepper flakes, optional, for added heat Parmesan cheese enhances the taste. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. If you like heat, crushed red pepper flakes bring a nice touch. - Food processor - Pot for boiling pasta - Mixing bowl Having the right tools helps you make this dish easily. A food processor blends the sauce smoothly. A large pot is needed to boil the pasta. A mixing bowl is perfect for combining everything. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Boiling and salting the water: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. This makes the pasta tasty. Bring the water to a rolling boil. 2. Cooking time and reserving pasta water: Add 12 oz of spaghetti to the boiling water. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You want it al dente, meaning it should be firm but cooked. Before you drain the pasta, save 1 cup of the warm pasta water. This water is starchy and helps the sauce stick. 1. Preparing avocados and other ingredients: Take 2 ripe avocados. Cut them in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a food processor. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1/4 cup of fresh basil, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, and 1/3 cup of olive oil. 2. Blending instructions and achieving creamy texture: Blend the mixture until it turns smooth. You may need to stop and scrape the sides. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Blend again until you reach a creamy texture. 1. Tossing pasta with sauce: In a large bowl, add the warm pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Gently toss until the pasta is well coated. 2. Adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water: If the sauce is still too thick, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time. Mix and taste. Add salt and pepper to fit your taste. This step makes the dish just right. Choosing ripe avocados Select avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them. A ripe avocado has a rich green color inside. If they are too hard, they won’t blend well. If they are too soft, they may be overripe. Adjusting flavors with salt and lemon Taste your sauce. Add salt to enhance the flavor. A splash of lemon juice brightens the sauce. Adjust these ingredients until you find the right balance for your taste. Tips for al dente pasta Cook your pasta until it has a slight bite. This is called al dente. Follow the package instructions closely. Check the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time. Importance of reserving pasta water Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the hot water. This starchy water helps thin the sauce. You can add small amounts to achieve the desired creaminess. Serving ideas and garnishing tips Serve your pasta in warm bowls. Top with halved cherry tomatoes for color. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. Pairing options for a complete meal You can pair this dish with a fresh salad. A light vinaigrette complements the creamy flavors. Garlic bread also makes a tasty side. Pro Tips Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure to select avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure; this indicates they are ripe and will blend smoothly into your sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creamy consistency without compromising flavor. Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh basil and high-quality olive oil will elevate the flavor of your avocado sauce, making it more vibrant and delicious. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the pasta right after mixing with the sauce, as the avocado can brown if left too long. {{image_4}} To make this creamy avocado pasta vegan, you can simply omit the Parmesan cheese. It still tastes great. For added flavor, try using nutritional yeast. This ingredient gives a cheesy taste without any dairy. You can sprinkle it over the pasta just like cheese. You can make this dish more exciting by adding spices or herbs. Try red pepper flakes for heat or oregano for depth. Adding different vegetables can also boost flavor and nutrition. Consider mixing in spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. Each adds a new texture and taste to your meal. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. There are many good brands available. You can also switch up the shape of your pasta. Try penne, fusilli, or even zoodles for a fun twist. Each shape holds the sauce differently, changing the experience of each bite. To store your creamy avocado pasta, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and helps avoid drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep the pasta and sauce together for the best flavor. You can freeze the avocado sauce, but it may change texture. To freeze, place the sauce in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out as much air as you can before sealing. You can freeze it for up to three months. When reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Heat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water to restore creaminess. After refrigeration, the flavors may dull. To revive them, mix in a bit of fresh lemon juice or olive oil. Enjoy leftovers within three days for the best taste. If you notice any browning, that’s normal, but it’s still safe to eat! Yes, you can make creamy avocado pasta in advance. To prep ahead, cook your pasta and make the avocado sauce. Store them separately in airtight containers. Keep the sauce in the fridge. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. When you are ready to eat, warm the pasta and mix it with the sauce. You can add a bit of reserved pasta water to help it blend smoothly. To keep the avocado sauce bright green, use lemon juice. The acid in lemon juice slows down browning. After making the sauce, store it in a tightly sealed container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce. This helps keep out air. If you notice some browning, just stir it back in. The taste will still be great. Creamy avocado pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette - Garlic bread for a crunchy touch - Roasted vegetables for added nutrients - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein These sides enhance the meal and add variety to your plate. Enjoy! This blog post shared a simple and tasty creamy avocado pasta recipe. We covered ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions, ensuring you could make it perfectly. I also included useful tips for flavor and presentation, plus variations if you'd like to change it up. Remember, this dish is not just about taste but also about freshness. Enjoy making this easy meal, and don't be afraid to experiment! Your kitchen adventures await.$

A creamy and delicious pasta dish made with ripe avocados and fresh ingredients.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, halved and pitted
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
0.25 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
0.33 cup high-quality olive oil
12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta
1 to taste salt
1 to taste freshly cracked black pepper
0.25 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
as needed whole cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish
optional to taste crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook per the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Before draining, carefully reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside, ensuring it remains warm.
In a food processor, add the halved avocados, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, and olive oil. Pulse the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the warm pasta with the prepared avocado sauce until the spaghetti is well coated. If the sauce feels too thick after mixing, stir in additional reserved pasta water a little at a time. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste preferences.
If you’re including Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the pasta now and toss gently to combine. The cheese will melt slightly and enrich the flavor of the dish.
Carefully plate the pasta. Top with the halved cherry tomatoes for a vibrant touch and sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top if you desire extra heat. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

Omit Parmesan cheese for a vegan option.

Keyword avocado, pasta, quick meal, vegetarian