10-Minute Avocado Pasta: Ridiculously Creamy & Delicious

Introduction

Need a super creamy dish that’s ready in a flash? This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta is your hero! Imagine a lush, green sauce, all from healthy avocados, coating your favorite pasta. It’s a game-changer for quick dinners.

The first time I whipped up this avocado pasta, I was amazed at how fast something so delicious could come together. It’s special because it’s proof that vegan meals can be both incredibly easy and satisfying. If you like our quick tomato pasta, you’ll love this different, but equally simple, delight.

Ready for a bowl of this dreamy avocado pasta? Let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This avocado pasta will quickly become a favorite!

Super Fast: Ready in 15 minutes – perfect for busy nights.
Amazingly Creamy: Avocado creates a rich, dairy-free sauce.
Healthy & Tasty: Full of good fats and fresh flavors.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters enjoy this vibrant avocado pasta.
Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite additions.
Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples.
No-Cook Sauce: Just blend and toss!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for your creamy avocado pasta:

9 oz (255g) uncooked pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, penne; use gluten-free if needed)
1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small), pitted and flesh scooped
1-2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, packed (plus extra for garnish)
1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1-2 tablespoons water (or reserved pasta water)
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes, lemon zest for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make some delicious and creamy avocado pasta! Follow these simple steps:

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add your chosen pasta (about 9 oz or 255g).
- Cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Don’t overcook it, as it will continue to absorb a little liquid from the sauce.
- Crucial Tip: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/2 to 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This water is like liquid gold for making sauces creamy and helping them cling to the pasta.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. You can toss it with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking if your sauce isn’t ready immediately.
Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- While the pasta is cooking, you can make the star of our avocado pasta: the sauce!
- In a food processor or a high-speed blender, combine the flesh of 1 large ripe avocado (or 2 small ones), 1-2 minced garlic cloves (start with one if you’re unsure), 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil.
- Add 1 tablespoon of water (or some of that reserved pasta water) to help things get moving.
Blend Until Silky Smooth:
- Secure the lid on your food processor or blender.
- Blend the ingredients until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and vibrant green. You might need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times to ensure everything is well combined.
- If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little more water (or pasta water), one tablespoon at a time, blending after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. You’re aiming for a sauce that will coat the pasta beautifully, not too runny and not too thick. This is key for perfect avocado pasta.
Season and Taste the Sauce:
- Once blended, taste the avocado sauce. This is where you make it your own!
- Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of fine sea salt and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper.
- Taste again. Does it need more salt? More lemon for brightness? A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick? Adjust the seasonings to your preference. A well-seasoned sauce makes all the difference in your avocado pasta.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Return the drained cooked pasta to the pot you cooked it in (or use a large mixing bowl).
- Pour the beautifully green and creamy avocado sauce all over the warm pasta.
- Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand or piece of pasta is lovingly coated with the sauce. If the avocado pasta seems a bit too dry or the sauce too thick, now’s the time to add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water you saved. This will help loosen the sauce and make it even creamier.
Serve Immediately:
- Divide the creamy avocado pasta among serving bowls.
- Garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves, a little lemon zest for an extra pop of freshness, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast if you like a cheesy note.
- This avocado pasta is best enjoyed fresh and warm!

Enjoy your incredibly quick, easy, and delicious homemade creamy avocado pasta!

Serving Suggestions

Make your avocado pasta even better:

Veggies: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, spinach, or bell peppers.
Protein: Toss in grilled tofu, chickpeas, or (if not vegan) grilled chicken/shrimp.
Spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Crunch: Toasted pine nuts or walnuts.
Cheesy (Vegan): Nutritional yeast sprinkled on top.
Herbs: Fresh parsley or cilantro.

FAQs

Got questions about this creamy avocado pasta? Here are some common ones:

Can I make this avocado pasta ahead of time?
Avocado-based sauces are notorious for browning when exposed to air due to oxidation. Therefore, this avocado pasta is definitely best enjoyed fresh, right after it’s made. The vibrant green color and creamy texture are at their peak then. If you must make parts ahead, you could cook the pasta and let it cool, then toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Prepare the sauce just before serving.
How do I prevent the avocado sauce from browning if I have leftovers?
If you do have leftovers, the lemon juice in the recipe will help slow down browning, but it won’t prevent it entirely. To store, place the leftover avocado pasta in an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta and sauce before sealing the container to minimize air exposure. It might still discolor slightly, but the taste should be fine for a day. Reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I use frozen avocado for this recipe?
For the creamiest texture and best flavor, fresh, ripe avocados are highly recommended for this avocado pasta. Frozen avocado can sometimes have a slightly different texture or taste once thawed, which might affect the final sauce. If you only have frozen, ensure it’s completely thawed and pat it dry.
Is this avocado pasta recipe gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! To make this avocado pasta gluten-free, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta. Corn-based, rice-based, lentil, or chickpea pasta all work well. Just cook it according to its specific package directions.
Can I add other herbs to the avocado sauce?
Definitely! While basil is a classic pairing, feel free to get creative. Fresh cilantro would give it a different, vibrant twist (especially good if you’re adding a bit of spice). Parsley is another great option for freshness. Even a tiny bit of fresh mint could be interesting. Experiment to find your favorite combination for your avocado pasta.
What if my avocado isn’t perfectly ripe?
A perfectly ripe avocado is key for the creamy texture. If your avocado is a bit firm, the sauce might not be as smooth. You can try to help it ripen faster by placing it in a paper bag with an apple or banana for a day or two. If it’s slightly underripe and you must use it, you might need to blend the sauce a bit longer and perhaps add a touch more liquid.
How long does this avocado pasta last in the fridge?
As mentioned, it’s best eaten immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The quality will diminish over time, primarily in color and texture.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimates per serving, assuming 2-3 servings per recipe)

Calories: ~450-550
Total Fat: 20-28g
Saturated Fat: 3-5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 300-500mg
Total Carbohydrate: 55-70g
Dietary Fiber: 8-12g
Protein: 10-15g

This avocado pasta is a good source of healthy fats and fiber.

Recipe Tips

For the best avocado pasta:

Ripe Avocados are Key: Soft to the touch ensures creaminess.
Al Dente Pasta: Avoid mushy pasta by not overcooking.
Save Pasta Water: Essential for adjusting sauce consistency.
Taste & Adjust: Season the sauce to your liking before mixing.
Serve Immediately: Best color and flavor when fresh. The lemon helps, but avocado pasta is best enjoyed right away.
No-Cook Sauce: Don’t heat the avocado sauce itself; the warm pasta is enough.

Conclusion

This 15-Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a family favorite1 4. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some healthy fats and nutrients5.

For more delicious and easy vegan recipes, check out Oh She Glows for inspiration1. If you’re interested in exploring the health benefits of avocados, the California Avocado Commission provides a wealth of information. And if you’re looking to expand your pasta repertoire, The Happy Foodie offers a variety of quick and tasty pasta dishes2.

Enjoy your culinary adventure, and happy cooking!