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- 2 ripe avocados - 12 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - 1 cup cherry tomatoes for garnish When making creamy avocado pasta, you need fresh and ripe avocados. They add a smooth texture and rich flavor. You can use either spaghetti or fettuccine for this dish; both work well. Fresh basil gives the pasta a nice herbal aroma and taste. The lemon juice adds brightness and balances the creaminess. For extra flavor, you can add grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead. Season the pasta with salt and black pepper to taste. Cherry tomatoes make a colorful garnish that enhances the dish's visual appeal. They also add a fresh burst of flavor. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready for a quick and tasty meal. Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring this salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add your pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Remember to save about 1 cup of the cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside in a large bowl. In a food processor, add the ripe avocados, peeled garlic cloves, and fresh basil leaves. Pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil. Add the grated Parmesan cheese for that rich flavor. Blend everything on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, slowly mix in some of the reserved pasta water. Keep adding until you reach your desired creamy consistency. Now, take the large bowl with the cooked pasta. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. Gently toss everything together. Make sure every strand of pasta is coated with that delicious sauce. If it looks a bit dry, add more reserved pasta water until it has a silky texture. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning. You can add more salt, freshly ground black pepper, or extra lemon juice to brighten the dish. To make creamy avocado pasta, use reserved pasta water wisely. This starchy water helps to thin the sauce without losing flavor. Start by reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. When mixing the sauce, add a bit at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Blending is key for a smooth sauce. Use a food processor to mix avocados, garlic, basil, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend on high speed until everything is creamy. If the sauce clumps, blend longer. This step ensures a silky texture that clings well to your pasta. Seasoning is vital to elevate your dish. After mixing, taste your pasta. Add salt, pepper, or more lemon juice to brighten the flavors. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. For serving, pair your pasta with fresh ingredients. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while basil brings freshness. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. Garnishing makes your dish pop. Use halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves to decorate your pasta. This adds color and freshness to the plate. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor. Just a little goes a long way. This final touch makes your creamy avocado pasta look and taste gourmet. Enjoy your beautiful dish! {{image_4}} If you want a vegan spin on creamy avocado pasta, substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This swap keeps the dish rich and cheesy without using dairy. Nutritional yeast adds a great umami flavor. You can also add extra garnishes like toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for crunch. Fresh arugula or spinach can add a peppery kick, too. For a gluten-free version, choose pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. These options provide a nice texture and flavor. When cooking gluten-free pasta, follow the package directions closely. They may have different cooking times. Remember to check for doneness, as gluten-free pasta can become mushy if overcooked. To make your dish exciting, add spices or herbs that you love. A pinch of red pepper flakes can bring heat. Fresh herbs like oregano or thyme can also enhance the taste. You can also mix in proteins, like grilled chicken or shrimp. This adds a hearty element and makes the meal more filling. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. - Let the pasta cool down first. This helps prevent condensation. - Store in the fridge right away. Aim to eat leftovers within 2 days. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, here’s how to reheat: - Use the stovetop for best results. Heat gently in a pan. - Add a splash of water or olive oil. This helps with the sauce. - Stir often to keep the texture smooth. Avoid high heat to prevent separation. Your creamy avocado pasta can stay fresh for: - Up to 2 days in the fridge. - Look for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or change in color. - If it looks off or smells strange, it’s best to toss it. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and store it in a container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also make the creamy avocado sauce a day ahead. Just blend the sauce and store it in an airtight container. To keep it fresh, press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface to limit air exposure. This recipe is great for meal prep! You can portion the pasta into individual containers. Store the creamy sauce separately to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine them. This method keeps the pasta from getting soggy and helps maintain the sauce's creamy texture. Freezing this dish is not ideal. The creamy sauce may change in texture when thawed. If you choose to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately. Use an airtight container to avoid freezer burn. When you thaw it, the sauce may look a bit different. You can blend it again to restore some creaminess. This dish pairs well with various sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. You can also serve garlic bread for a nice crunch. For drinks, try a light white wine or sparkling water. Both complement the creamy flavors beautifully. Don't forget to garnish with extra cherry tomatoes and basil for color! In this post, you learned how to make creamy avocado pasta. We covered the main ingredients like ripe avocados and pasta. You discovered step-by-step cooking and sauce preparation. Tips for the perfect texture and flavor make every bite enjoyable. I also shared storage info and meal prep advice. Enjoy making this dish with variations that suit your taste. With simple steps, you’ll impress anyone at your table.

Creamy Avocado Pasta

Dive into the world of flavors with our Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight! This delicious and easy recipe combines ripe avocados with garlic, fresh basil, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats your favorite pasta. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a healthy meal that's perfect for any occasion. Click through to discover how to whip up this vibrant dish that will amaze your taste buds!
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled

2 garlic cloves, peeled

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a delightful vegan alternative)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

12 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti or fettuccine are both excellent options)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Additional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Remember to reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside in a large bowl.

    Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, garlic cloves, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend the ingredients on high speed until smooth and creamy. If the sauce appears too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired creamy consistency.

      Mix the Pasta and Sauce: In the same large bowl containing the cooked pasta, pour in the creamy avocado sauce. Gently toss the pasta with the sauce, ensuring that every strand is well coated. If the mixture seems dry, add more reserved pasta water as necessary to maintain a silky texture.

        Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the pasta and adjust the flavor profile by incorporating additional salt, freshly ground black pepper, or more lemon juice to enhance the brightness of the dish as desired.

          Serve: Dish up the creamy avocado pasta into wide, inviting bowls. Garnish generously with the halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves to add freshness and vibrancy to the presentation.

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

              - Presentation Tips: For an exquisite finish, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the pasta before serving. Top with a light sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and adorn with fresh basil leaves for a visually stunning and appetizing dish. Enjoy!