This avocado pasta recipe uses up your ripe avocados and takes just 30 minutes to make. creamy but still light. The sauce includes fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic — it’s super creamy without using any cream. If you love a healthy, creamy, fresh pasta, you’re going to love this dish.
In This Article
This post may contain affiliate links, at no additional cost to you.
Amy’s Notes
Growing up, my parents had a huge avocado tree that produced more avocados than we knew what to do with. Back then, we kids barely touched them. These days, knowing what avocados cost at the store, I make sure to bring home every avocado my parents offer. This Creamy Avocado Pasta has become one of my favorite ways to use them.
- Naturally Creamy: Ripe avocados blend into a silky, rich sauce without any cream, similar to the texture of our Creamy Bruschetta Pasta.
- Bright and Fresh: Lemon juice and zest balance the richness of the avocado, giving the dish a light and bright flavor.
- Quick and Easy: The sauce comes together in minutes with a quick whirl in the food processor, much like our Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta.
- Healthy yet Satisfying: Even without dairy, this pasta is hearty and filling while also being fresh and wholesome. I hope you love this!
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Ripe Avocado – The heart of the dish, giving the sauce its creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. Use ripe avocados for the smoothest blend.
- Fresh Lemon Juice & Zest – Adds brightness and keeps the avocado sauce vibrant in color. Lime juice works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Garlic Cloves – Brings a bold, savory kick that balances the richness of the avocado. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Paprika – Adds a gentle warmth and subtle color. Smoked paprika gives a deeper, slightly smoky flavor if you prefer.
- Flat Leaf Parsley – Adds freshness and helps maintain the sauce’s bright green color. You can use baby spinach if you’re out of parsley.
- Fresh Basil – Brings a fragrant, herby note that pairs beautifully with the lemon and avocado.
- Pasta – Any pasta shape works here. I like using spaghetti or linguine, but penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely too. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta are great options.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Protein Options: I like to top this pasta with grilled chicken, salmon, or shrimp for extra protein. You can also toss in chickpeas or white beans to keep it vegetarian.
- Pasta Choices: I usually go with spaghetti or linguine, but penne or rotini hold the sauce nicely too. Whole grain or gluten-free pasta work great if that’s what you prefer.
- Herb Swaps: You can use cilantro instead of basil for a different flavor. A handful of baby spinach blends in well too and keeps the sauce bright green.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small jalapeño (seeded) to the blender for a little heat.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Add sauce ingredients to a food processor or strong blender.
- Blend until mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Boil pasta until just al dente; don’t overcook.
- Toss pasta with sauce and serve with desired garnishes.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Prep the Sauce Early: You can blend the avocado sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface to keep it from browning. Keep it chilled until you’re ready to toss with pasta.
- Cook Pasta Ahead: Cook the pasta just until al dente, drain, and toss lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking. Let it cool, then store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat briefly before mixing with the sauce.
Avocado Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe avocado peeled and pitted
- 1 lemon freshly juiced, plus zest for garnish
- 2 large garlic cloves peeled
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ cup flat leaf parsley
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 10 ounces pasta uncooked, your choice
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- freshly grated Parmesan highly recommended
- tomatoes diced
- fresh basil leaves torn
- lemon zest
Instructions
- Blend lemon juice, garlic cloves, salt, paprika, parsley, basil, and olive oil together in a food processor until smooth. Add avocado.
- Continue processing until smooth and creamy. Add black pepper and additional kosher salt to taste. Set sauce aside in air tight container, with cling wrap resting directly on top of sauce to keep air out.
- In a large heavy pot, bring well-salted water to boil. Cook pasta just until al dente, according to package.
- Drain pasta in strainer and sprinkle with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place pasta in a serving dish and toss with sauce.
- Sprinkle with plenty of fresh parmesan and garnish as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Save some pasta water. A splash can loosen the sauce if it feels too thick.
- Toss pasta while warm. Warm noodles absorb the sauce better and helps it coat evenly.
- Keep air out when storing. Press plastic wrap directly on the sauce surface to prevent browning.
- Serve immediately. The avocado sauce tastes best fresh, while it’s creamy and full of flavor.
- This recipe is part of our Pastas and Pizzas Recipe Collection.
- We love serving this creamy pasta alongside some Rosemary Garlic Bread or Olive Garden Breadsticks to soak up the extra sauce.
hearing from you!
Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week!Nutrition
What To Serve with Avocado Pasta
Proteins and Main Dishes
- We love serving this Avocado Pasta with simple proteins like Grilled Chicken Breast, 10-Minute Garlic Shrimp, or Marinated Grilled Shrimp for an easy meal.
- It’s also delicious alongside Sheet Pan Roast Chicken with Potatoes when you want a heartier dinner that still feels fresh.
Breads
- A slice of Rosemary Garlic Bread is perfect for soaking up any extra avocado sauce left in the bowl.
- You can also serve it with Garlic Cheese Bread or warm Olive Garden Breadsticks for a restaurant-style pasta night at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s best to use ripe avocados for the smoothest sauce. If they’re still firm, you can place them in a paper bag with a banana for a day or two to help them ripen faster.
You can use a blender instead, or mash everything by hand with a fork for a chunkier texture. Just make sure the garlic is finely minced so the flavors blend well.
Try adding a spoonful of pesto, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a bit of smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like cilantro or mint also give it a nice twist.
Yes. It tastes great chilled, especially on warm days. Just toss the pasta with a little extra olive oil before refrigerating so it doesn’t stick together.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1–2 days. For the best results, keep the sauce and pasta separate until ready to serve. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, or enjoy it cold as a quick lunch.
It is naturally dairy-free and vegan — just skip the Parmesan garnish (or use a vegan Parmesan). It’s also easy to make gluten-free by swapping in your favorite gluten-free pasta.
More to Cook and Eat
- Lemon Garlic Pasta – This Lemon Garlic Pasta is a classic, comforting pasta dish that boasts fresh, vibrant, and zesty flavors.
- Mexican Pasta Bake – It only takes 25 minutes to bring this scrumptious Mexican Pasta to the table. It’s easy, tasty, and great for busy days.
- 15 Avocado Recipes Beyond Guacamole – Avocados are delicious all year round, and it’s easy to incorporate this powerful superfood into your regular diet. Here are 15 ways to use avocados, from breakfast to dessert.
- Surprise Avocado Chocolate Bread – This Surprise Avocado Chocolate Bread is supremely decadent. It’s healthy, ridiculously moist, and mouthwatering. Great way to use up ripe avocado!
Posts
0 Comments