If you are on the hunt for a quick, luscious, and utterly satisfying dish, look no further than this 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe. The silky avocado blended with fragrant garlic and fresh basil creates an unbelievably velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s rich and comforting without the heaviness of cream, giving you all the indulgence with a bright, fresh twist. Whether you’re a busy weeknight warrior or just craving something simple yet elegant, this recipe will soon become your new go-to favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor experience. Each component plays its part, from the creamy avocado weaving a luscious texture to the lemon juice adding the perfect tangy balance and the garlic delivering that irresistible punch of flavor.
- 9 ounces uncooked pasta: Choose your favorite shape; it’s the canvas for the creamy sauce.
- 1 medium garlic clove: Adds an aromatic depth and gentle spice, perfectly minced for smooth integration.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves: Bright, herbaceous notes that elevate the dish’s freshness, plus extra for garnish.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Imparts a lively citrus zing to brighten the creamy avocado perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil: Enhances richness and helps the sauce blend smoothly.
- 1 ripe medium avocado, pitted: The star of the show, creating an ultra-creamy, naturally rich sauce.
- 1 tablespoon water: Helps thin the sauce to just the right consistency for coating the pasta.
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complexity.
- Lemon zest: Optional but highly recommended to garnish and add bursts of citrus aroma.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then add your pasta. Follow the package directions to cook it until al dente — this ensures it has a slight bite that will hold up beautifully once tossed with the sauce. If you want a grain-free twist, this sauce works amazingly well over zucchini noodles as well.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While the pasta cooks, here’s where the magic happens. Toss your garlic and fresh basil into a food processor and pulse them until finely minced. Then add the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, ripe avocado, and a splash of water to help with blending. Process everything until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, just drizzle in a bit more olive oil until it reaches your perfect consistency.
Step 3: Season and Combine
Don’t forget to season your luscious sauce with fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drain the pasta and immediately mix it with the avocado sauce while the pasta is still warm so it soaks up every bit of that creamy goodness. You can serve it right away at room temperature, or gently rewarm it if you prefer.
Step 4: Add Those Final Touches
To finish, sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest and additional basil leaves on top. These little details not only make your dish look stunning but also boost the bright, fresh flavors that make this 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe such a standout.
How to Serve 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a pinch of lemon zest, or some torn basil leaves turn this dish from simple to spectacular. These fresh garnishes add pops of color and aromatic layers that will make your taste buds sing. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil at the end can also enhance the silky texture even more.
Side Dishes
Keep things light with a crisp side salad — think arugula with cherry tomatoes and a balsamic drizzle — or a simple bowl of roasted vegetables. Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread also pairs wonderfully if you’re in the mood for something a little heartier on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe can be served warm, at room temperature, or even chilled as a pasta salad for a refreshing summer option. Try plating it in a shallow bowl for an elegant dinner or tossing it in airtight jars for a portable lunch. The creamy avocado sauce also doubles as a dip or spread, giving you bonus versatility!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the pasta mixed with the avocado sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because avocado tends to oxidize and brown, the sauce may darken a bit, but the flavor will still be delicious if eaten within one to two days.
Freezing
Freezing avocado-based sauces is tricky as they can turn mushy and lose their vibrant color. It’s best to avoid freezing this 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe. Instead, prepare fresh avocado sauce when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent the avocado from getting grainy. Alternatively, enjoy leftovers cold or at room temperature for a refreshing twist.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! This creamy avocado sauce pairs wonderfully with any pasta shape, from spaghetti to penne or even gluten-free options. Just cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes! This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe is completely plant-based and dairy-free, making it perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding animal products.
How ripe should the avocado be?
Go for a perfectly ripe avocado — one that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn’t mushy. This ensures the sauce is creamy and smooth without bitterness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
For the freshest flavor and color, it’s best to prepare the avocado sauce right before serving. If you do make it early, store it tightly covered in the fridge and consume within a few hours to prevent browning.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
If you don’t have fresh basil on hand, try fresh parsley or cilantro for a different but equally delightful herbaceous note. Dried herbs won’t provide the same fresh zing here.
Final Thoughts
This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe is the ultimate weeknight marvel—fast, flavorful, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s proof that simple food can be extraordinary when you combine fresh produce, vibrant herbs, and a few pantry staples with a bit of love. I can’t wait for you to dig in and discover how this dish turns ordinary pasta into a creamy masterpiece that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick, delicious, and healthy dish perfect for busy days. The avocado creates a luscious, creamy sauce that’s rich with garlic and fresh basil, balanced with a refreshing hint of lemon. Perfectly coated on tender pasta or zucchini noodles, this simple meal delivers gourmet flavor without any cream or dairy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 9 ounces (255 g) uncooked pasta
Sauce
- 1 medium garlic clove
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh basil leaves, plus more for serving
- 1 to 2 tablespoons (5 to 10 mL) fresh lemon juice, to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more if needed
- 1 ripe medium avocado, pitted
- 1 tablespoon (15 mL) water
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Lemon zest, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, combine the garlic and basil in a food processor and pulse until minced. Add the lemon juice, olive oil, avocado, and 1 tablespoon of water. Process until the mixture is smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, drizzle in more olive oil until desired consistency is reached. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot, add all the avocado sauce, and gently stir to coat the pasta evenly. You may gently rewarm the pasta over low heat if it has cooled, or serve at room temperature.
- Serve and garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with freshly ground black pepper, lemon zest, and additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter or grain-free option, substitute the pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Because avocado browns quickly, serve the sauce immediately after preparation for best flavor and appearance.
- You can adjust lemon juice and salt according to your taste preferences.
