- Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- Ripe avocados - Whole wheat pasta - Fresh lemon juice - Garlic - Basil leaves - Olive oil - Parmesan cheese - Cherry tomatoes - Red pepper flakes To create creamy avocado pasta, start with ripe avocados. They add rich creaminess and healthy fats. Then, use whole wheat pasta for a wholesome base. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and balances flavors. Next, don’t skip the garlic. It brings a nice, savory taste to the sauce. Fresh basil leaves add a lovely herby note. Extra-virgin olive oil ties everything together and gives a smooth texture. For those who want to elevate their dish, consider adding Parmesan cheese. It adds depth and a savory kick. Cherry tomatoes provide a pop of color and freshness. If you like some heat, red pepper flakes can spice things up. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy making this dish with simple and fresh ingredients! - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 12 ounces of whole wheat pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. - Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside. - In a food processor, combine: - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh scooped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - Blend until smooth. Scrape down the sides as needed. - In a large bowl, add hot drained pasta to the sauce. - Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the avocado sauce. - If the sauce is thick, add reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time. Blend until you reach your desired creaminess. - Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. - If you want a richer flavor, fold in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy making this creamy avocado pasta with the full recipe for more details! To make your creamy avocado pasta just right, you need to focus on the sauce's thickness. If your sauce is too thick, it won't coat the pasta well. You can fix this by adding the reserved pasta water. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Blend after each addition until you reach your desired creaminess. Adding cheese can boost the richness of your dish. Parmesan cheese adds a savory note that blends well with the avocado. You can also play with seasoning. Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or some fresh herbs. Taste as you go to find what you love. When serving your creamy avocado pasta, think about how it looks. Use deep bowls to hold the pasta. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes for color. You can also add a few whole basil leaves on top. A light drizzle of olive oil can make your dish shine. These small details make your meal look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta type in this recipe. Whole wheat pasta works well, but you can use gluten-free pasta or any shape you love. Try penne or fusilli for a fun twist. Adding protein can make the dish heartier. Consider cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These options pair nicely with the creamy avocado sauce. To make your creamy avocado pasta more exciting, add spices and herbs. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can boost flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also add brightness. Adding veggies is a great way to enhance nutrition. Try mixing in spinach, peas, or bell peppers. These colorful additions can make your dish more vibrant and tasty. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. This swap ensures everyone can enjoy the dish. For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative. If you want to cut back on fat or calories, use less olive oil or skip the cheese. You can still enjoy a creamy texture by using more avocado or adding a bit of vegetable broth instead. Explore these variations to make your creamy avocado pasta fit your tastes and needs. For the full recipe, check out the main section. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Place the pasta in the fridge right after serving. This method keeps the dish tasty for up to 2 days. Remember, avocado can brown quickly, so enjoy it soon! If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the sauce and pasta separately. Cooked pasta freezes well, but the sauce may change texture. For best flavor, freeze them in sealed bags or containers. Use within a month for the best taste. To reheat your pasta, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep it moist. Heat until warm but do not overcook. Aim for a temperature of about 165°F. This helps maintain the creamy texture and flavor. You can easily make creamy avocado pasta vegan. Simply skip the Parmesan cheese. You can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. For added flavor, try using miso paste or tahini. These options give a nice depth without animal products. Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To keep it fresh, add a little lemon juice on top. This will help prevent browning. Use the sauce within two days for the best taste and texture. Pair creamy avocado pasta with a light salad or garlic bread. A simple arugula salad adds a nice peppery kick. For drinks, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water. These choices balance the rich flavors of the pasta. Enjoy your meal! In this post, we explored creamy avocado pasta, highlighting key ingredients and steps. We covered how to make the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine them perfectly. We also shared tips for creamy texture and flavor tweaks. Remember, you can customize this dish with different proteins and veggies. Leftovers can be stored easily, and reheating is simple. Enjoy this dish in many ways, from a quick lunch to a dinner feast. Creating this pasta dish will surely impress anyone at your table.$

Delve into the world of flavors with this creamy avocado pasta recipe that's quick, healthy, and utterly delicious. Made with ripe avocados, fresh basil, and whole wheat pasta, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a fancy meal prep. Learn how to whip up this easy and satisfying recipe in just 20 minutes! Click through for the full recipe and discover how to elevate your pasta night with creamy goodness.

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh scooped

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

12 ounces whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine recommended)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for a rich flavor)

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, ensuring it's tender but still slightly firm. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the scooped avocado, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, basil leaves, and extra-virgin olive oil. Blend on high speed until the mixture is velvety smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Adjust Consistency: If you find the avocado sauce to be too thick for your liking, gradually add the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you achieve your preferred creamy consistency.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the hot drained pasta to the creamy avocado sauce. Gently toss and mix until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce, allowing the warmth of the pasta to slightly heat the sauce.

Season to Taste: Sprinkle in sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your taste preferences. If you're feeling indulgent, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of creaminess and flavor.

Serve: Immediately dish out the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish each serving with halved cherry tomatoes for a pop of freshness and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat.

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

Presentation Tips: To enhance the dish's visual appeal, serve the pasta in deep bowls and add a few whole basil leaves on top. Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes artistically around the pasta, and finish with a light drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Enjoy your deliciously creamy creation!