Creamy Avocado Pasta

Name: Creamy Avocado Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice; Salt, for boiling water; 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Juice of 1 lemon; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Highlighted under: Vitality Kitchen

I absolutely love making creamy avocado pasta! It's a delightful combination of rich, creamy avocado blended with garlic and fresh herbs, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. This dish is not only quick and easy, taking just about 20 minutes to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients. I've made it numerous times for family and friends, and each time they rave about how delicious and satisfying it is. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this pasta has become a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Eliza Thornton

Last updated on 2026-02-07T23:37:35.792Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of avocado as a pasta sauce, I was skeptical. However, after giving it a shot, I was blown away by the creamy texture and vibrant flavor. What caught me off guard was how well the avocado melded with fresh garlic and lemon juice, creating a sauce that was rich yet refreshing. I also discovered that by tossing the pasta gently with the sauce while it's still warm, the flavors blend beautifully, enhancing each bite.

One of my favorite parts of making this dish is how versatile it is. I can easily add veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach for added color and nutrients, or toss in some grilled chicken or shrimp for protein. It’s a great way to clean out the fridge while whipping up something delicious that everyone will love!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Silky smooth texture that clings to the pasta perfectly
Loaded with healthy fats and nutrients from avocados
Quick and effortless for a delicious meal any day of the week

Mastering the Avocado Sauce

The key to a luscious avocado sauce lies in the ripeness of the avocados. Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure, indicating they are perfect for mashing. If they’re too firm, your sauce may lack the creamy texture. Additionally, balancing the acidity with fresh lemon juice is crucial; it not only enhances flavor but also prevents your avocados from browning, keeping the sauce vibrant.

When blending the sauce, use a high-speed food processor to achieve that silky-smooth consistency. A standard blender can work, but you may need to stop occasionally to scrape down the sides. If you find the mixture is not blending smoothly, drizzle in a little more olive oil or reserved pasta water until the desired creaminess is achieved.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta

To ensure your spaghetti or chosen pasta is cooked perfectly, always follow the package instructions for timing while tasting for doneness about a minute before the recommended time. Aim for an al dente texture, which should feel firm when bitten into but not chalky. This will not only enhance the dish's overall feel but also allow the pasta to absorb more of the creamy sauce.

Don't forget to reserve that cup of pasta water! It acts as a magic ingredient in adjusting the sauce's consistency. If your avocado sauce seems too thick after combining it with the pasta, adding a splash of this starchy water can help it cling to the noodles better, creating a luxurious mouthfeel.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz spaghetti or pasta of your choice
Salt, for boiling water

For the Sauce

2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest.

Prepare the Sauce

In a food processor, combine avocados, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

In the same pot, return the drained pasta. Add the avocado sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If using, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a kick.

Serve

Divide the creamy avocado pasta among plates and enjoy immediately, garnished with extra basil or lemon zest if desired.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider toasting the garlic lightly before blending it into the avocado sauce. You can also experiment by adding different herbs like cilantro or parsley.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking for a lighter version, you can substitute half of the avocados with low-fat Greek yogurt. This will still yield a creamy sauce with added protein while reducing some fat content. Additionally, if basil isn't available, fresh spinach or arugula can provide a different yet delightful green flavor profile.

For a nutty twist, consider adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts into the sauce. This not only enhances the taste but also contributes a pleasant crunch. Similarly, swapping olive oil for avocado oil can impart a more pronounced avocado essence without altering the texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, consider making the avocado sauce in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and try to push a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to minimize air exposure. This can keep it fresh for up to three days, allowing you to whip up dinner in minutes later.

However, it’s best to cook the pasta fresh just before serving. If you must store the cooked pasta, toss it lightly with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When ready to serve, reheat in boiling water for about 30 seconds, just to warm it up before mixing with the sauce.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this dish vegan?

Absolutely! The ingredients are all plant-based, making it perfect for a vegan diet.

→ What if I don't have fresh basil?

You can substitute dried basil or use other herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a different flavor profile.

→ Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

While it's best fresh, you can prepare the sauce in advance. Just add a little lemon juice to prevent browning.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free pasta, this dish can easily be gluten-free as well.