Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish) - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) For this creamy avocado pasta, use two ripe avocados. Ripe avocados make the dish smooth and rich. You need two cloves of garlic for flavor. The garlic adds a nice kick without being too strong. One tablespoon of fresh lemon juice brightens the dish up. It helps balance the creaminess of the avocados. You will also need 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. Basil adds a fresh herbal taste. The olive oil, also at 1/4 cup, gives the sauce a silky texture. Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning, so adjust to your taste. I recommend using 12 ounces of spaghetti or any pasta you like. If you want a lighter option, use zucchini noodles. The 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes adds color and sweetness. Finally, if you enjoy cheese, sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan on top. For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes as needed. Feel free to swap ingredients. For a vegan version, leave out the cheese. You can also add nuts or seeds for a crunchy bite. This recipe is flexible and fun to make! Check out the Full Recipe for more details. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add 12 oz of spaghetti. Cook the pasta until it's al dente, usually around 8 to 10 minutes. This means the pasta should be firm yet tender. As the pasta cooks, stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, reserve about half a cup of the pasta water. Then, drain the rest of the water, and set the pasta aside. While the pasta cooks, it's time to make the sauce. Take 2 ripe avocados, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1/4 cup of basil leaves, and 1/4 cup of olive oil. Put these in a food processor or blender. Blend everything until it's smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help reach the right consistency. Now, combine the hot pasta with the creamy avocado sauce in a large bowl. Start adding the reserved pasta water bit by bit until the sauce coats the pasta evenly. Toss in the halved 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes gently. Finally, season to taste with salt and pepper. You can serve your delicious creamy avocado pasta immediately. If you want, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick. For the complete process, check the Full Recipe. To get that dreamy, creamy texture in your avocado pasta, start with ripe avocados. A ripe avocado feels slightly soft when you press it. If it's hard, wait a few days. Once you have ripe avocados, blend them until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water. This water has starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta. To boost flavors, you can add herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or cilantro works great. A pinch of garlic powder can add depth. For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper. When you serve the pasta, add halved cherry tomatoes for color. Grating fresh Parmesan cheese on top adds a lovely finish. This makes your dish not only tasty but also beautiful. {{image_2}} You can make creamy avocado pasta even better by adding proteins. Here are some great options: - Chicken: Cooked and diced chicken adds heartiness. - Shrimp: Lightly sautéed shrimp brings a nice flavor. - Chickpeas: For a plant-based choice, add canned chickpeas. They boost protein and are easy to use. These proteins mix well with the creamy sauce. They also make the meal more filling and nutritious. To make a vegan version, replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy taste without dairy. Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice or quinoa pasta. These options are tasty and safe for gluten-free diets. This way, everyone can enjoy creamy avocado pasta, no matter their dietary needs. Experimenting with different spices can take your dish to new heights. Consider adding: - Garlic powder: For extra garlic flavor. - Cumin: Adds warmth and depth. - Crushed red pepper flakes: For a spicy kick. You can also try different cheeses. Feta or goat cheese can give a tangy twist. Each change brings a new taste experience. Enjoy exploring these flavor profiles! After you make creamy avocado pasta, you may have leftovers. Storing them right keeps them tasty. Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. Store it in the fridge. It will stay good for about 2 days. For the best flavor, eat it soon. To keep the sauce fresh, put it in a separate container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps prevent browning. You can also add a splash of lemon juice on top. This adds flavor and keeps the color bright. If you want to save the avocado sauce for later, freezing is an option. First, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out the air before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. The sauce can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan. Add a bit of water or olive oil to adjust the texture. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy again, just like the first time. Yes, you can use frozen avocados. However, they may change in texture. Frozen avocados tend to become mushy when thawed. If you don't mind a softer sauce, go ahead. Make sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results. To keep your avocado fresh, use lemon juice. The acidity helps slow down browning. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid. This keeps air out and preserves color. You can also store it in an airtight container for extra freshness. This pasta pairs well with a simple side salad. You might try a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette. Grilled vegetables also make a great side. For added protein, consider serving grilled chicken or shrimp. Reheat the pasta gently on low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or pasta water. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can also microwave it, but cover it to retain moisture. Avocados are rich in healthy fats. They provide fiber and vitamins like E and K. This dish is also low in carbs if you use zucchini noodles. The healthy fats help your body absorb nutrients better. Plus, avocados support heart health and can lower cholesterol. This blog post covered crafting a delicious creamy avocado pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, how to prepare everything, and tips for great flavor. You also saw variations and storage tips to keep your meal fresh. In my experience, using ripe avocados makes all the difference. Experiment with flavors and have fun in your kitchen. Your creamy avocado pasta journey can lead to tasty meals that impress anyone!$

Discover the deliciousness of creamy avocado pasta with this easy recipe! Using ripe avocados, garlic, and fresh basil, you can create a rich and flavorful sauce that perfectly complements your favorite pasta. In just 20 minutes, enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal that's sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game with this tasty dish!

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz spaghetti or your choice of pasta

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

Instructions

Start by cooking the spaghetti in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente.

While the pasta is cooking, add the ripe avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil leaves, and olive oil to a food processor or blender.

Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and then drain the remaining water.

In a large bowl, combine the hot pasta with the creamy avocado sauce, adding in the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce coats the pasta well.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss in the halved cherry tomatoes gently.

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4