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15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 3 reviews

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.