Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe
A quick and creamy avocado pasta recipe made with fresh avocado, garlic, and spinach, tossed with perfectly cooked penne. This easy stovetop or Instant Pot dish is both nutritious and delicious, offering a smooth, flavorful sauce without dairy. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner with a hint of lemon and optional chili flakes for a gentle kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (semolina or any pasta, about 2–2.5 cups)
- 2 cups water
- Salt, to taste
Avocado Sauce
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup baby spinach (or basil, optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed for desired consistency)
- Crushed black pepper, to taste
- Red chili flakes, for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Using a stovetop pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to taste, then add the penne pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) until al dente or desired tenderness. Drain excess water and set aside. Alternatively, for the Instant Pot method, add the dry pasta, water, and salt in the pot, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes for al dente (5 minutes for softer pasta). Let the pressure release for 5 minutes naturally, then quick release remaining pressure and drain extra water if needed.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, baby spinach (or basil), salt, crushed black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth, adding more water gradually to reach your preferred sauce consistency. The sauce should be creamy and well blended. Optionally, add parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce until evenly coated. For best flavor and appearance, serve within 2-3 hours as avocado sauce may brown over time.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle over red chili flakes and top with parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy avocado pasta!
Notes
- For best results, use ripe avocados to ensure a creamy and smooth sauce.
- If you prefer a vegan version, skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Adjust the amount of water in the sauce to achieve your desired thickness.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as avocado sauce can oxidize and turn brown after a few hours.
- You can substitute baby spinach with fresh basil for different flavor variations.
- Use crushed black pepper and red chili flakes to add a mild to moderate spicy kick depending on your taste.
Keywords: avocado pasta, creamy avocado sauce, penne pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy pasta dish, stovetop pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick dinner
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