Creamy Avocado Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and flesh scooped out - 2 garlic cloves, finely minced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - 8 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnishing) - Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Additional basil leaves for garnish Gathering fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Ripe avocados give the sauce a creamy texture. Look for ones that yield slightly to pressure. Garlic adds a nice kick, so use two cloves. Squeeze in fresh lemon juice to brighten the dish. Fresh basil leaves bring a lovely aroma and taste. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil ties all flavors together. Use sea salt and black pepper to elevate the dish. For pasta, spaghetti works best, but feel free to choose your favorite type. Optional toppings like Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes add more flavor and color. The cheese adds a salty note, while tomatoes bring sweetness. Fresh basil leaves as a garnish make your dish pop! With the right ingredients, you can create a simple and hearty meal that will impress everyone. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 2. Add your favorite pasta, like spaghetti. Cook until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. 3. Once cooked, drain the pasta but save about a cup of the pasta water for later. 1. In a food processor, add the scooped avocado flesh, minced garlic, lemon juice, and basil leaves. 2. Pour in the olive oil. 3. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to mix well. 1. Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. 2. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta. 3. Use tongs to toss the pasta gently, coating all the strands. 4. If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and mix lightly for extra flavor. To make your sauce creamy, start with ripe avocados. If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water slowly. Blend until smooth and shiny. You want a silky texture that clings to the pasta. Use a food processor for the best results. Scrape the sides to blend evenly. For extra flavor, add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives work well too. If you love cheese, you can try using nutritional yeast as a vegan option. For garnish, consider adding roasted nuts or seeds for crunch. A sprinkle of lemon zest can brighten the dish. {{image_4}} To make your creamy avocado pasta vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. You can use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. You can also boost the dish with more veggies. Try adding spinach or zucchini. Both will add nutrients and color. Toss in some peas for a sweet crunch. You can add protein to your pasta for a filling meal. Grilled chicken is a great choice. Simply slice it and mix it in with the pasta. Shrimp works well too. Sauté it in a pan with olive oil and garlic before adding it to the pasta. If you want a plant-based option, use beans. Chickpeas or black beans are tasty. They add fiber and protein to your dish. Both options make it heartier and more satisfying. To keep your creamy avocado pasta fresh, follow these tips: - Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers with tight lids work best. - Refrigerate within two hours. Store any leftovers in the fridge right away. - Avoid exposure to air. This helps prevent the avocado from browning. When it's time to reheat, keep these methods in mind: - Use the stovetop. Heat on low, stirring gently. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. - Microwave with care. Place pasta in a bowl, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat in short bursts. - Refresh flavors. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving. Yes, you can prepare creamy avocado pasta ahead. However, keep in mind that avocados can brown. To reduce browning, add lemon juice to the sauce. Store the sauce separately from the pasta. When ready to eat, mix them together. You can also warm it gently on the stove. If you can’t use avocados, try using cooked peas or silken tofu. Both options give a creamy texture. Blend them with lemon juice and garlic for flavor. Alternatively, you can use cashews soaked in water for a rich taste. Yes, creamy avocado pasta works well for meal prep. You can make the sauce and pasta separately. - Nutritional benefits of avocado in pasta: Avocados are full of healthy fats. They have vitamins like E and K. They also provide fiber, which is good for digestion. - Dietary restrictions considerations: For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. This dish is versatile and fits many diets. Make it vegan by skipping the Parmesan cheese. Enjoy this meal without worry! You learned how to make a creamy avocado pasta with simple steps. Ripe avocados, garlic, lemon juice, and basil create a tasty sauce. Remember to cook your pasta to al dente for the best texture. You can add proteins or veggies for a boost. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat carefully. This dish is not just easy but also healthy. Enjoy this fresh meal any time!$

Savor the deliciousness of this Creamy Avocado Pasta Delight! This quick and easy recipe combines ripe avocados, fresh basil, and garlic to create a silky sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly. With just a few simple ingredients and only 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a meal that's both delightful and nutritious. Click through to discover all the details and indulge in this creamy, dreamy dish!

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Ingredients

2 ripe avocados, halved, pitted, and flesh scooped out

2 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, tightly packed

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

8 oz spaghetti or any pasta of your choice

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnishing)

Handful of cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Additional basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later use.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a food processor, add the avocado flesh, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh basil leaves, and olive oil. Blend on high until the mixture is silky smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.

Taste the avocado sauce and season it with a pinch of sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. If you find the sauce too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water, blending until you reach your desired creamy consistency.

Once the spaghetti is fully cooked and drained, return it to the pot over low heat. Pour the smooth avocado sauce over the pasta, using tongs to gently toss and coat the strands evenly.

If you choose to include it, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and lightly mix for an extra layer of flavor.

Serve the pasta immediately, plated generously and garnished with halved cherry tomatoes and additional basil leaves, adding a vibrant and fresh presentation to the dish.

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