Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative) - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 ounces whole wheat pasta (or pasta of choice) - 1/4 cup olive oil - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Extra basil leaves (for garnish) Avocados are a superfood. They are rich in healthy fats. These fats help keep your heart strong. Avocados also have fiber, which aids digestion. They contain vitamins like K, E, and C. These vitamins support your skin and immune system. Eating avocados can even help lower bad cholesterol. They are low in sugar and high in nutrients. This makes them a great choice for a healthy diet. If you don't have ripe avocados, try using guacamole. It adds similar creaminess. Instead of garlic, use garlic powder for a mild flavor. You can replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Fresh herbs like cilantro can replace basil for a different taste. To start, you will need to cook the pasta. Boil water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, save 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab your food processor. Add the ripe avocados, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Toss in the fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend these ingredients until smooth and creamy. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil. This helps make the sauce silky. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Blend again until it reaches your desired consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Now it's time to mix everything. In a large bowl, add the drained pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Toss it gently until every piece is coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add more reserved pasta water. This will help you achieve the perfect creaminess. Serve the pasta right away. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves for a fresh look. Enjoy your delicious meal! Choose avocados that feel slightly soft when you press them. A ripe avocado should yield to gentle pressure. Look for dark green skin, but avoid any that have large dark spots. If you find hard avocados, leave them at room temperature for a few days. Once ripe, store them in the fridge to slow down ripening. Use a food processor for the best results. Start with the avocado, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend these ingredients until they are very smooth. If you want a creamier texture, slowly add olive oil while blending. This will help emulsify the sauce, making it silky and rich. If your sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water. Start with a small amount and blend again. You can keep adjusting until you reach your desired creaminess. Remember, the sauce should coat the pasta well but still be light. If you want more flavor, a pinch of salt or fresh herbs can enhance the taste. {{image_2}} You can boost your creamy avocado pasta with some protein. Here are a few ideas: - Grilled Chicken: Slice grilled chicken breast and mix it in. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp in olive oil and add them for a seafood twist. - Tofu: Pan-fry cubed tofu for a plant-based protein option. These additions make the dish heartier and more filling. If you want a vegan twist, swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan option. You can use: - Nutritional yeast: It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. - Vegan cheese: Look for brands that melt well. - Cashew cream: Blend soaked cashews for a creamy texture. These alternatives keep the dish light and fresh, while still tasty. Enhance your creamy avocado pasta with extra flavors. Try: - Lemon Zest: Add zest for a bright, fresh taste. - Red Pepper Flakes: For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Chop them up for a tangy punch. These small tweaks can elevate your dish and excite your palate. To store leftover creamy avocado pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool it down before sealing. This helps keep the pasta fresh. You can also sprinkle a little lemon juice on top. This prevents the avocado from browning. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best results. Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help loosen the sauce. Stir often until it's warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, the pasta warms evenly. Creamy avocado pasta is best eaten fresh. If stored properly, it stays good for about three days. However, the taste and texture may change over time. The avocado can become brown and the sauce may thicken. Always check for any off smell or color before eating leftovers. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in a sealed container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just cook your pasta and mix it in. This saves time on busy days. I recommend whole wheat pasta for a healthy twist. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also use gluten-free pasta or your favorite type. Spaghetti and penne work great too. Choose what you like best! Yes, this recipe can easily fit a vegan diet. Just swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan alternative. There are many tasty options available. Make sure to check the labels for dairy-free ingredients. Add more garlic for a bolder taste. You can also toss in chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley add great flavor. Experiment with lemon zest for brightness or nutritional yeast for a cheesy touch. This blog post showed you how to make creamy avocado pasta. We discussed ingredients, health benefits, and smart substitutions. I shared step-by-step instructions to cook the pasta and prepare the sauce. You learned tips for selecting ripe avocados and blending them perfectly. Variations included adding protein or vegan options for extra flavor. Finally, we covered how to store leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy this tasty dish knowing it’s easy to make and healthy!$

Discover the delicious flavors of creamy avocado pasta with this simple recipe! Made with fresh avocados, garlic, and basil, this dish is not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch, it comes together in just 20 minutes. Click through to explore how to whip up this creamy delight and impress your family and friends with a vibrant, wholesome meal.

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces whole wheat pasta (or pasta of choice)

1/4 cup olive oil

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

In a food processor, add the avocados, minced garlic, lemon juice, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.

With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky. If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Season the avocado sauce with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained pasta with the creamy avocado sauce, combining until the pasta is thoroughly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.

Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomato halves and extra basil leaves for a fresh touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 min | 20 min | 4 servings