Description
A luscious, restaurant-quality pasta dish featuring a silky avocado sauce with fresh basil, garlic, and lemon. Ready in just 20 minutes, this healthy and satisfying meal is perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli)
- 2 large ripe avocados
- 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 3 medium garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- 2. While pasta cooks, cut avocados in half, remove pits, and scoop flesh into a food processor or blender.
- 3. Add basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to the food processor with the avocados.
- 4. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of reserved pasta water and blend again.
- 5. Drain the cooked pasta and return it to the warm pot or transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- 6. Pour the avocado sauce over the hot pasta and toss thoroughly using tongs until every piece is evenly coated.
- 7. If needed, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency while tossing.
- 8. Add halved cherry tomatoes and toss gently to combine.
- 9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Best enjoyed immediately after preparation. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add a splash of lemon juice when reheating to refresh the flavor. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 12g
Keywords: avocado pasta, creamy pasta, healthy pasta, quick dinner, avocado sauce