Print

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 53 reviews

This creamy avocado pasta recipe delivers a fresh, vibrant, and healthy twist on traditional pasta dishes. Using ripe avocado and fresh cilantro, blended into a smooth sauce with a hint of lemon juice and sautĂ©ed onion and garlic, this pasta is luscious yet light. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels indulgent but is packed with wholesome ingredients. Optional pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch while keeping the dish nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients

Pasta and Cooking Base

  • 8 ounces penne pasta (substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 white onion, diced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Avocado Sauce

  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • Pepper to taste

For Serving

  • Chopped cilantro
  • Pumpkin seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta thoroughly.
  2. Prepare the Onion and Garlic: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic into a food processor.
  3. Create the Avocado Sauce: In the food processor, combine the sautéed onion and garlic, avocado, cilantro, lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as preferred. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water and blend again until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
  4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot and pour the avocado sauce over it. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add additional reserved pasta water if necessary to loosen the sauce and ensure all pasta is well coated.
  5. Serve: Serve the pasta immediately on plates, garnished with extra chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds for added texture and flavor if desired.

Notes

  • To keep the avocado sauce from browning if not serving immediately, squeeze additional lemon juice over it and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
  • For a vegan and gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your olive oil is pure.
  • Feel free to swap penne with any other pasta shape such as fusilli, farfalle, or spaghetti.
  • Pumpkin seeds add crunch and healthy fats but can be omitted if preferred.
  • Reserve pasta water is important for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Find it online: https://mealoria.com/creamy-avocado-pasta-recipe/