Get ready to fall in love with a pasta sauce that’s bursting with freshness, creaminess, and vibrant color in every bite. This Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe is my go-to when I want something quick yet impressive, using just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create pure magic. It’s rich, silky, and brightened with zesty lemon and fragrant basil, making your pasta dish feel indulgent without any heaviness. Whether you’re new to avocado in savory dishes or a longtime fan, this sauce will surprise and delight you every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sometimes the best dishes come from the simplest ingredients, and this Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe is a perfect example. Each ingredient plays an essential role: the avocado provides a luscious base, basil brings fresh herbal notes, lemon adds brightness, and garlic gives just the right hint of savory punch.
- 7 oz pasta: Choose your favorite type, whether spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, for the perfect vehicle of saucy goodness.
- 1 small avocado (or around 1/2 large avocado): Ripe and creamy to make the sauce wonderfully smooth and rich.
- 1 cup basil leaves (loosely packed): Fresh basil adds that unmistakable fragrant green flavor and stunning color.
- 1/2 lemon (juice and zest): Brightens the sauce and balances out the creaminess with a lively citrus kick.
- 1 garlic clove: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth that compliments the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, so be sure to season thoughtfully.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup pasta water: The starchy water helps thin the sauce perfectly and binds it to the pasta for that silky finish.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection
Start by cooking your 7 ounces of pasta according to the package instructions. I like mine al dente for a bit of bite, but feel free to cook it a bit more tender if you prefer. Don’t forget to reserve around one cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will work wonders in creating the perfect sauce consistency.
Step 2: Blend the Green Goodness
In a blender, combine the small avocado, basil leaves, juice and zest of half a lemon, garlic clove, salt, pepper, and about one-third of your reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Then, gradually add more pasta water, blending in between, until the sauce reaches your desired silky texture. This step transforms those simple ingredients into a luscious, dreamy sauce.
Step 3: Toss and Taste
Pour this vibrant green sauce over the warm pasta. Toss everything together so each strand or piece gets luxuriously coated. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if you want a bit more lemon brightness or saltiness. For a little extra indulgence, sprinkle on some parmesan or try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe
Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, simplicity is best so the sauce shines. I love a scattering of chopped toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch, a few extra basil leaves for freshness, or a light dusting of parmesan cheese. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a gentle kick that elevates the whole bowl.
Side Dishes
This creamy avocado pasta makes a wonderful main on its own, but pairing it with a crisp, simple green salad or roasted vegetables creates a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough also pairs beautifully, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the pasta in individual bowls and drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil on top, adding microgreens or edible flowers for that wow factor. You could even serve this Cold as a refreshing pasta salad on warm days—it’s just as delicious and vibrant chilled.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the pasta with sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind the avocado green sauce tends to mellow in flavor, so brighten it back up with a touch more lemon juice or seasoning before serving.
Freezing
I haven’t personally frozen the creamy avocado sauce since the texture and fresh taste might change, but if you want to experiment, freeze it in a sealed container for up to 1-2 months. Just know it may separate slightly upon thawing and might need a quick blend to bring it back together.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a pan over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overheating that can affect the avocado’s texture. Add a splash of pasta water or a drizzle of olive oil to revive that silky creaminess before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen basil for this Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe?
While fresh basil is ideal for flavor and vibrant color, you can use frozen basil in a pinch. Just thaw and drain any excess moisture beforehand to avoid watering down the sauce.
Is this sauce vegan friendly?
Absolutely! The base sauce is naturally vegan. Just skip the parmesan or use nutritional yeast as a delicious, dairy-free alternative to keep it vegan.
What type of avocado works best?
Choose a ripe, slightly soft avocado with no brown spots to ensure smooth blending and the richest creamy texture for this recipe.
Can I add other herbs or greens?
Definitely! Spinach or arugula can be mixed in for variation, but basil remains key for that classic green pasta flavor. Adjust quantities to keep the sauce balanced.
How do I prevent the sauce from turning brown?
The lemon juice in the recipe helps prevent browning, but if you don’t plan to serve immediately, cover the sauce tightly with plastic wrap touching the surface or mix it right before serving for the brightest color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe is truly one of those gems that feels both fancy and effortlessly easy to make. It turns everyday pasta into something fresh, vibrant, and delicious without a fuss. I hope you give it a try soon and find yourself reaching for avocados in savory dishes again and again—this recipe always makes me smile!
PrintCreamy Avocado Pasta Sauce (Green Pasta) Recipe
This Creamy Avocado Pasta Sauce recipe offers a fresh and vibrant green sauce made from ripe avocado, fresh basil, lemon, and garlic, perfect for a quick and healthy pasta dish. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s a deliciously creamy, dairy-free alternative that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta, making it ideal for a light, satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 7 oz pasta (of your choice)
For the Avocado Sauce
- 1 small avocado (or around 1/2 large avocado)
- 1 cup basil leaves (loosely packed)
- 1/2 lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup pasta water (reserved)
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until al dente or your desired tenderness. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a blender, combine the avocado, basil leaves, lemon juice and zest, garlic clove, salt, black pepper, and start by adding about 1/3 cup of the reserved pasta water. Blend until smooth. Gradually add more pasta water to reach a creamy sauce consistency you prefer.
- Combine and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings or lemon juice as desired. Toss the sauce with the drained pasta until well coated and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan touch.
- Storage Instructions: This avocado pasta sauce is best when enjoyed fresh. If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. Note that the flavor may mellow over time, so consider adding extra lemon juice or seasoning before serving. Freezing is not recommended as it may negatively affect texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm avocado for best creamy texture and vibrant flavor.
- Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps to thin the sauce and blend flavors.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice according to taste preferences.
- For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit toppings entirely.
- Consume leftovers within 2 days for best taste and safety.
- Freezing the avocado sauce is not recommended due to potential texture and flavor degradation, but if attempted, use airtight containers and limit freezing to 1-2 months.
