Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine): Choose your favorite type of pasta. You can also use gluten-free pasta if you prefer.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the pasta and adding flavor.
- Salt: To season the pasta water.
- Freshly ground black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 2 ripe avocados: These will form the base of the creamy sauce. Make sure they are ripe but firm, so they blend smoothly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps blend the avocado into a silky sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic adds a kick of flavor to the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: The acidity of lemon juice brightens up the sauce and balances the richness of the avocado.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves: Adds a refreshing, herbaceous flavor to the sauce. You can substitute with parsley or cilantro for a different flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: For seasoning the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
Optional Toppings and Add-ins:
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for a burst of fresh, juicy flavor.
- Red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, for those who enjoy dairy.
- Fresh spinach or arugula: For added greens and a nutritional boost.
- Grilled chicken or tofu: If you want to add some protein, either grilled chicken or tofu works great with this pasta.
- Pine nuts or toasted almonds: For a crunchy texture that complements the creamy sauce.
Instructions
First Step: Prepare the Pasta
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (firm but tender). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes for most pasta varieties.
- Drain and Toss: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. This water can be used to thin out the avocado sauce if necessary. Drizzle the pasta with olive oil to prevent it from sticking and set it aside.
Second Step: Make the Avocado Sauce
- Prepare the Avocados: While the pasta is cooking, cut the avocados in half and remove the pits. Scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor.
- Add Ingredients: To the blender, add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, salt, and black pepper. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the flavor.
Third Step: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
- Toss the Pasta: Transfer the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl or back into the pot. Pour the avocado sauce over the pasta and toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Continue tossing the pasta until the sauce is smooth and silky.
Fourth Step: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Pasta: Divide the pasta into individual servings and plate it.
- Garnish: Top the pasta with your choice of garnishes such as halved cherry tomatoes, red pepper flakes, extra basil, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve immediately while the pasta is still warm, and enjoy the creamy goodness of avocado pasta.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 15minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g