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To make creamy avocado pasta, gather these items: - 12 oz spaghetti or linguine - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh carefully scooped out - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative) - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like it spicy) - Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish You can easily adjust this recipe to fit your needs. Here are some swaps: - Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option. - Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a vegan dish. - Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a different flavor. - For a nut-free version, skip any nuts in similar recipes. This dish not only tastes great but also packs a nutritional punch: - Avocados: Rich in healthy fats and fiber. They support heart health. - Garlic: Boosts immunity and adds flavor. It has many health benefits. - Lemon Juice: Helps with digestion and adds a fresh taste. - Basil: Offers antioxidants and adds vibrant flavor. - Olive Oil: Packed with healthy fats, it promotes good heart health. - Parmesan Cheese: Adds protein and calcium for strong bones. - Cherry Tomatoes: Provide vitamins A and C, supporting skin health. These ingredients work together to create a satisfying meal that is good for you! For the full recipe, check the details provided earlier. To cook the pasta, start by boiling salted water in a big pot. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Before draining, set aside 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and put it in a large mixing bowl. Now, let’s make the sauce. Grab a food processor and add the scooped flesh from 2 ripe avocados, 2 minced garlic cloves, and the juice of 1 lemon. Toss in 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend everything until it is smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until you like the texture. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the drained pasta in your mixing bowl. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta until it is well coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water slowly until it reaches your preferred creaminess. Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. For a spicy kick, mix in optional red pepper flakes. This recipe makes a delightful dish that is fresh and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To get the best texture for your creamy avocado pasta, focus on blending. Use a food processor for a smooth sauce. Start with ripe avocados; they should be soft but not brown. If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. This helps create a nice, velvety feel. Always blend until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Adding flavor is key to a great dish. Start with salt and pepper. Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce. You can also add more garlic for a bolder taste. Fresh basil gives a nice herbal note. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes. For a twist, try mixing in some sun-dried tomatoes or olives. These can elevate your dish further. Watch out for overcooking the pasta. You want it al dente, with a slight bite. Another mistake is not tasting before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Avoid using unripe avocados; they won’t blend well. Lastly, don’t skip the pasta water; it’s essential for the sauce’s creaminess. Following these tips will help you create a delightful dish every time. For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can make this dish vegan with just a few swaps. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use nutritional yeast. It gives a cheesy flavor without any dairy. You can also add extra herbs like parsley or cilantro for more taste. This version remains creamy, green, and delicious! If you need a gluten-free meal, swap regular pasta with gluten-free spaghetti or linguine. Many brands offer tasty options made from brown rice or quinoa. These pasta types work well and keep the dish light. Just cook them al dente for the best texture. Want to boost the nutrition? Try adding protein or vegetables. Grilled chicken or shrimp makes a great addition. For a plant-based choice, add chickpeas or lentils. You can also toss in veggies like spinach, peas, or zucchini. They not only add color but also make the dish healthier. To store your creamy avocado pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. This will help keep the pasta fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. The avocado sauce may darken a bit, but it still tastes great. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheat gently. Use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a lid or paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Stir between each burst to avoid hot spots. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen it. Freezing creamy avocado pasta is not the best option. The avocado can change texture and taste when frozen. If you must freeze it, keep in mind that the sauce may not be as smooth. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Use it within one month for the best quality. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat as explained above. Yes, you can make this pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta as directed and prepare the sauce. However, I recommend storing them separately. This way, the pasta stays fresh, and the sauce does not brown. When you are ready to eat, combine them and warm them up gently. You can add a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. To make creamy avocado pasta without cheese, simply skip the Parmesan. Use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. Blend your avocados, garlic, lemon juice, basil, and olive oil until smooth. Nutritional yeast adds a nice umami taste. You can also add a bit more lemon juice to enhance the flavor. Creamy avocado pasta pairs well with many sides. A light salad with fresh greens is a great choice. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a satisfying meal. Roasted vegetables or grilled chicken can add more texture and flavor. Don't forget a sprinkle of extra basil on top for a fresh touch! In this blog post, we explored how to make creamy avocado pasta. We covered ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to perfect your dish. You can enjoy variations like vegan or gluten-free options too. Remember to store leftovers well for future meals. Cooking should be fun and tasty! Use this dish to impress friends or family. With practice, you'll master creamy avocado pasta in no time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

- Creamy Avocado Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy avocado pasta that's not only easy to make but also healthy! This delightful recipe combines ripe avocados with garlic, fresh basil, and lemon juice for a rich, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to spaghetti or linguine. Perfect for any meal, you can customize it to fit your dietary preferences. Discover how to whip up this tasty dish and impress your dinner guests—click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz spaghetti or linguine

2 ripe avocados, pitted and flesh carefully scooped out

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

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

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for those who like it spicy)

Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Make the Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, add the scooped avocado, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, grated Parmesan (or nutritional yeast), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve a velvety consistency.

      Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the drained pasta in the large bowl. Using tongs, gently toss the pasta until every strand is generously coated in the sauce. If the mixture is too thick for your liking, add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired creaminess.

        Taste and Adjust: Take a moment to taste the pasta. Adjust the seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the flavors. If you enjoy a bit of heat, stir in the optional red pepper flakes.

          Serve: To plate, serve the creamy avocado pasta in bowls, finishing with a garnish of halved cherry tomatoes and a sprinkle of extra basil leaves for a pop of freshness.

            Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

              - Presentation Tips: For an elevated presentation, drizzle a little extra olive oil on top and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese. Enjoy with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal!