Amazing avocado pesto pasta, that’s what’s on the menu today! This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a creamy, dreamy, green goddess of a meal that comes together in minutes. I remember the first time I whipped up this amazing avocado pesto pasta. I was craving something fresh, vibrant, and quick. The result was so good I knew I had to share it with all of you!
Table of Contents
This recipe is a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something truly special. Forget heavy sauces; this avocado pesto is light, healthy, and bursting with flavor. Get ready to fall in love with this quick and easy weeknight dinner!
Why You Will Love This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
This amazing avocado pesto pasta recipe is a game changer for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and fast, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture is naturally achieved through the avocado, creating a luxurious mouthfeel without any heavy creams. It’s also a fantastic way to sneak in some healthy fats and greens.
I find myself reaching for this recipe whenever I need comfort food that doesn’t weigh me down. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those perfectly ripe avocados! It reminds me of summers spent in Italy, where fresh ingredients are always the star.
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Ingredients Needed for This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create this luscious creamy avocado pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish
And if you love pasta dishes that are quick and flavorful, be sure to check out my Creamy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta. It’s another family favorite! Looking for Valentine’s day recipes? Check out Valentines Dinner Pasta Dishes.
How to Make This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
- 1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocado pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- 3. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- 4. Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot. Add the avocado pesto to the pasta and toss to coat well.
- 5. If the pesto is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- 6. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes, if using. Enjoy this healthy pasta recipe!
How to Serve This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
This amazing avocado pesto pasta is delightful just as it is, but here are a few serving suggestions:
- Serve it warm or at room temperature for a refreshing summer meal.
- Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete and balanced dinner.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. This would make for a full balanced meal!
- Garnish with toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
- Serve the creamy avocado pasta with crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How to Store This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
- Refrigeration: Store leftover amazing avocado pesto pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be aware that the avocado pesto may darken slightly due to oxidation, but it will still be safe to eat.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the avocado pesto can become watery and lose its creamy texture when thawed.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Tips to Make This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
Want to make this amazing avocado pesto pasta even better? Here are a few tips:
- Use ripe avocados: The riper the avocado, the creamier and more flavorful your pesto will be.
- Toast the garlic: Toasting the garlic will bring out even more flavor!
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- Add pasta water: Don’t forget to reserve that pasta water! It’s the secret to a perfectly emulsified and creamy sauce.
- To give your creamy avocado pasta an extra layer of flavor, try Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe For A Healthy Dinner.
Helpful Notes for This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
- Avocado Variety: Hass avocados are my favorite for their creamy texture and rich flavor, but any ripe avocado will work.
- Vegan Option: To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative.
- Lemon Juice: The lemon juice not only adds brightness to the pesto but also helps prevent the avocado from browning. You can also add a little more to taste!
- Equipment: A food processor makes quick work of the pesto, but a high speed blender will also work well. You can even mash the avocado by hand for a chunkier pesto.
Variation of This amazing avocado pesto pasta Recipe
- Spicy Avocado Pesto Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the pesto for a spicy kick.
- Sun Dried Tomato Avocado Pesto Pasta: Add 1/4 cup of sun dried tomatoes to the pesto for a burst of tangy sweetness.
- Lemon Zest: A little bit of lemon zest makes the flavors just POP!
How do I make avocado pesto?
Avocado pesto is made by blending ripe avocados with basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the ingredient ratios to your liking for the perfect flavor profile.
What kind of pasta goes well with avocado pesto?
Almost any type of pasta works well with avocado pesto, but some popular choices include spaghetti, linguine, fettuccine, and rotini. The best pasta shape will effectively capture the creamy sauce.
Can I store leftover avocado pesto?
Yes, you can store leftover avocado pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To prevent browning, add a layer of olive oil on top before sealing. You can also freeze avocado pesto for longer storage.
Is avocado pesto pasta healthy?
Avocado pesto pasta can be a healthy meal option, as avocados are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins. However, it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes and overall calorie intake.
Conclusion
So there you have it: a quick, easy, and utterly delicious amazing avocado pesto pasta recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner or a creamy, dreamy comfort food, this dish has got you covered. Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below! Happy cooking!
Amazing Avocado Pesto Pasta: Easiest Creamy Recipe EVER!
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, dreamy, green goddess pasta ready in minutes. This healthy avocado pesto pasta is a quick and easy weeknight dinner bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta (spaghetti, linguine, or your favorite shape)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for a little kick
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes, halved for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the avocado pesto. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot. Add the avocado pesto to the pasta and toss to coat well.
- If the pesto is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and halved cherry tomatoes, if using. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
