There’s something comforting about a bowl of pasta, especially when you can whip it up quickly on a busy weekday. I remember the first time I tried avocado pasta sauce; it was a warm summer night, and I wanted something fresh yet satisfying. The creamy texture of avocados turned out to be a perfect match for pasta, and it instantly became a favorite in my household. This simple recipe combines ripe avocados with a few pantry staples, making it not just easy to prepare but also delicious.
why you will love this recipe
You will love this avocado pasta sauce for its rich, creamy texture and fresh flavors. It’s not only quick to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients, thanks to the avocados and basil. The sauce is versatile, allowing you to toss it with any type of pasta you like, whether it’s regular, whole grain, or gluten-free. Plus, it’s customizable! You can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste and add toppings like grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for an extra flavor boost. This recipe is a perfect way to enjoy a healthy meal that everyone at the table will love.
how to make Avocado Pasta Sauce
Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a blender or food processor and combine ripe avocado, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the seasoning to your preference. Finally, toss the warm pasta with the avocado sauce until it’s evenly coated, and serve right away!
how to serve Avocado Pasta Sauce
Serving avocado pasta sauce is simple and satisfying. Once your pasta is tossed with the creamy sauce, you can serve it in warm bowls. To make it even more appealing, consider topping each serving with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Adding a few fresh basil leaves on top can enhance the dish’s vibrant color and fresh flavor. Pair your avocado pasta with a side salad for a complete meal, or enjoy it on its own. No matter how you serve it, this dish is sure to impress!
how to store Avocado Pasta Sauce
If you have leftovers or want to make the sauce ahead of time, proper storage can help maintain its freshness. To store the avocado pasta sauce, place it in an airtight container. Squeeze a little lemon juice on top before sealing the container to help prevent browning. It’s best to refrigerate the sauce and use it within 1-2 days for optimal freshness. When you’re ready to eat, you can gently reheat the sauce over low heat or mix it into freshly cooked pasta. However, be aware that reheating may change the texture slightly.
tips to make Avocado Pasta Sauce
There are a few simple tips that can enhance your avocado pasta sauce experience. First, use ripe avocados for the best creaminess; they should have a slight give when you press them. To take the flavors up a notch, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can add more olive oil or even a splash of pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Lastly, remember to taste and adjust the seasoning; everyone’s palate is different, and a bit of extra salt or lemon juice can make a big difference!
variation
If you’re looking to switch things up, there are several fun variations of this avocado pasta sauce. For a smoky flavor, add some roasted red peppers to the blender. You can also mix in other herbs like cilantro or parsley instead of basil for a different taste. If you’re a fan of nuts, try adding a handful of walnuts or pine nuts to the sauce for added texture and healthy fats. For a protein boost, you can stir in cooked shrimp or grilled chicken. These tweaks can keep your avocado pasta fresh and exciting every time you make it!
FAQs
Can I use other pasta besides spaghetti or penne?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you like! Gluten-free, whole wheat, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) work well with this avocado sauce.
How can I prevent the avocado from browning?
Squeezing lemon juice over the avocado sauce helps slow down the browning process. Storing the sauce in an airtight container also minimizes exposure to air.
Can I freeze avocado pasta sauce?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume it within a month for the best quality.
Avocado Pasta Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This creamy Avocado Pasta Salad is a refreshing, wholesome dish made with ripe avocados, fresh basil, spinach, and cherry tomatoes. It’s tossed with pasta and finished with toasted pine nuts for a satisfying texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces pasta (orecchiette, penne, or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a food processor.
- Add basil leaves, lemon juice, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth, about 1–2 minutes, scraping down sides as needed.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Add the avocado sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches desired consistency.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and spinach, tossing until the spinach begins to wilt slightly.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
Notes
- Use only ripe avocados for the creamiest sauce.
- To toast pine nuts, heat in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring often.
- This dish is best served immediately, as the avocado sauce can darken over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Avocado pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, avocado basil sauce, healthy lunch, easy summer pasta
