This creamy avocado pasta is a quick, satisfying, and wholesome meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and heart-healthy fats from avocado, it’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Ready in just 25 minutes, this pasta combines fresh herbs, garlic, and a touch of cream for a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every strand.
25-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta
Equipment
- 1 large pot (for cooking pasta)
- 1 Colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 food processor or blender (for avocado sauce)
- 1 mixing spoon or tongs (for tossing pasta)
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Measuring Spoon
Ingredients
- 12 ounces long pasta spaghetti, angel hair, or preferred type
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese divided
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your choice of pasta—spaghetti, angel hair, or any long pasta you prefer—and cook according to the package directions until al dente, meaning it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Avoid overcooking to prevent a mushy texture. Once cooked, carefully drain the pasta in a colander, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Do not rinse the pasta; the natural starch helps the sauce adhere perfectly.
- Prep the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, peel and finely mince two fresh garlic cloves. Minced garlic ensures even distribution of flavor throughout the sauce. Set aside in a small bowl until ready to use.
- Pit and Scoop the Avocados: Choose two ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure. Cut them in half, remove the pits, and scoop the creamy flesh into your food processor or blender. Ripe avocados are essential for a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add two tablespoons of fresh basil leaves and two tablespoons of chopped parsley to the avocados. These herbs provide a fragrant, bright flavor that balances the richness of the avocado. Fresh herbs also add a vibrant green color, making your pasta visually appealing.
- Incorporate Cream and Olive Oil: Pour in two tablespoons of heavy cream and one tablespoon of olive oil. The cream adds luxurious smoothness, while olive oil enhances the flavor and creates a glossy, silky texture for the sauce. Avoid substituting milk, as it will not achieve the same creamy consistency.
- Season and Flavor: Add two teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and ½ teaspoon of salt to the mixture. Lemon juice not only brightens the flavors but also prevents the avocado from oxidizing and turning brown. Salt is crucial to enhance the overall taste.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Add two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese to the food processor. The cheese provides a subtle savory depth and creamy texture. Reserve one tablespoon for garnish at the end.
- Blend into a Smooth Sauce: Pulse the food processor in short bursts until the mixture transforms into a perfectly smooth, creamy sauce. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta but still pourable; you can thin it slightly with the reserved pasta water if necessary.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Immediately transfer the hot pasta into a large mixing bowl or leave it in the pot. Pour the avocado sauce over the pasta and gently toss with tongs or a spoon until each strand is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a few tablespoons of the reserved pasta water gradually until the desired consistency is reached.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the creamy avocado pasta among serving plates. Sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan cheese on top. Garnish with extra fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a mild kick. This finishing touch adds color, flavor, and visual appeal to your dish.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your creamy avocado pasta while it’s still warm to enjoy the sauce at its silky best. Pair it with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete, satisfying meal. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente: This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when mixed with the creamy avocado sauce. A slight firmness adds a pleasant texture.
- Extra fresh herbs: Add more basil or parsley to the sauce if you love a bright, herbaceous flavor. Reserve some for garnish to enhance the dish visually.
- Lemon juice magic: Fresh lemon juice keeps the avocado from browning and adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness.
- Use pasta water wisely: The starchy water helps thin the sauce while helping it cling beautifully to the pasta. Add gradually to achieve the perfect consistency.
- Topping ideas: Freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chili flakes provide extra flavor and visual appeal, but optional toppings like toasted pine nuts or microgreens work beautifully too.
Chef’s Secrets For Creamy Sauce
The secret to a luxuriously creamy avocado pasta lies in using ripe, soft avocados paired with heavy cream and olive oil.
For optimal flavor, always pulse the sauce in short bursts in a food processor, scraping down the sides to ensure smoothness.
Avoid substituting milk for cream, as it will result in a thinner, less silky sauce.
For a more intense herb flavor, lightly bruise the basil leaves before blending to release their essential oils.
Adjust the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water, adding just enough to coat the pasta evenly without making it watery.
Serving Suggestions To Impress Guests
This pasta is versatile and pairs wonderfully with light sides.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted cherry tomatoes, or garlic bread enhances the creamy, rich flavor of the avocado sauce.
For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled chicken, shrimp, or seared tofu for added protein.
Garnish with fresh herbs and chili flakes for a visually appealing presentation.
This dish works beautifully as a weeknight dinner, lunch for entertaining, or as part of a meal-prep plan for the week.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Leftover avocado pasta is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day.
The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled; gently stir in a small amount of pasta water or olive oil to loosen it before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or briefly in the microwave to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Avoid freezing, as avocado tends to discolor and change texture when thawed, which may affect the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this vegan-friendly?
Yes! Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative, and swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese.
The sauce will remain creamy and flavorful while staying completely plant-based.
2. How do I prevent avocado from browning?
Fresh lemon juice in the sauce helps prevent browning by slowing oxidation.
Also, blending the avocado immediately before serving ensures it stays vibrant green. Avoid making the sauce too far in advance.
3. Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or angel hair work best for coating, you can use penne, fettuccine, or even whole-grain pasta.
The sauce clings well to most long or tubular shapes, making it versatile for different pasta types.
4. Can this be made ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to combine the avocado sauce with pasta just before serving.
If made ahead, store sauce and pasta separately and mix right before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.
5. How can I make it more flavorful?
Enhance flavor by adding garlic sautéed lightly in olive oil before blending, or by increasing the fresh herb quantities.
A pinch of red pepper flakes or a small drizzle of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil on top before serving adds depth and richness.
