Go Back
- 2 ripe avocados - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 2 cloves garlic - 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts) - 1/2 cup olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - 300g pasta of choice (spaghetti or fettuccine works great) - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish) - Extra basil leaves (for garnish) For this creamy avocado pesto pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Start with ripe avocados. They give the dish a smooth and rich texture. Fresh basil leaves add a bright flavor. Garlic cloves give it a nice kick. You can use pine nuts or walnuts for a nutty taste. Olive oil is key for creaminess and richness. Lemon juice adds a fresh zing. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Next, choose your pasta. Spaghetti or fettuccine works well. For a cheesy touch, use grated Parmesan cheese. If you prefer vegan, nutritional yeast works great too. Finally, have cherry tomatoes and extra basil ready for garnish. These not only add color but also a fresh taste. With these ingredients, you will create a dish that is not just tasty but also pleasing to the eye. To start, fill a large pot with water and add salt. This step adds flavor to the pasta. Bring the salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your choice of pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but cooked through. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, reserve one cup of pasta water. This water is starchy and helps bind the sauce. Then, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a food processor. Add two ripe avocados, a cup of fresh basil leaves, two garlic cloves, and a quarter cup of pine nuts or walnuts. Pulse the mixture until everything is finely chopped. Now, with the processor running, slowly drizzle in half a cup of olive oil. This will help create a creamy texture. Once combined, add one tablespoon of lemon juice, a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Pulse again to mix. If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to reach your desired creaminess. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto. Make sure the pasta is coated well. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed. To serve, plate the creamy avocado pesto pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra basil leaves. This dish is not only delicious but also looks fresh and colorful on the plate. Enjoy your meal! To make your avocado pesto smooth, use a food processor. Start with ripe avocados; they blend well. Add basil, garlic, and nuts. Pulse until everything is chopped. Then, slowly pour in olive oil while the processor runs. This creates a creamy texture. If your pesto is too thick, add reserved pasta water. This step helps get the right consistency. Taste is key. Start with salt and pepper. Adjust these to match your preference. If you want more flavor, add herbs like oregano or thyme. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. You can also use crushed red pepper for a kick! This creamy avocado pesto pasta pairs well with salads or bread. Try a fresh green salad for a crunchy contrast. For bread, a warm baguette works great. When serving, plate the pasta and garnish with cherry tomatoes and basil leaves. This adds color and makes it look fancy! {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients to fit your needs. If you want a vegan dish, try using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. This gives the same cheesy flavor without dairy. For the nuts in the pesto, you can use walnuts instead of pine nuts. Walnuts bring a different taste but still blend smoothly. While spaghetti and fettuccine are great choices, you can also use penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well. If you need gluten-free options, look for pasta made from brown rice or chickpeas. These alternatives taste great and fit dietary needs. Want to add more to your dish? You can toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp for protein. Both options add a nice texture and flavor. You can also mix in veggies like spinach or peas. These add color and nutrition to your pasta while keeping it fresh. To keep your creamy avocado pesto pasta fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent air exposure. This helps maintain its flavor and texture. If you have extra pesto, store it separately. You can also add a layer of olive oil on top to help keep it fresh. This method works well for up to three days. When reheating pasta, keep it gentle. You can use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or olive oil. Heat on low and stir often. This helps to keep the creaminess. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir every 30 seconds to avoid drying out. The key is to maintain that luxurious texture. Freezing avocado pesto is a great way to save it for later. Use ice cube trays to portion out the pesto. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag. This way, you can grab just what you need. To thaw, place the cubes in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave for quick thawing. Use the thawed pesto in pasta or on sandwiches for a burst of flavor. Yes, you can use frozen avocado. However, the texture may change. Frozen avocado tends to become softer when thawed. This can make your pesto a bit smoother. The flavor remains fine, but fresh avocado gives a better taste. If using frozen, let it thaw before blending. The avocado pesto lasts about three days in the fridge. After that, it may spoil. Look for brown spots on the pesto; this shows it is going bad. Keep it in an airtight container to help it stay fresh longer. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make the avocado pesto ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge. Cook the pasta fresh when you are ready to eat. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. This blog post covers a tasty avocado pesto pasta recipe. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and ways to enhance flavors. You learned tips for creamy textures and how to store leftovers. Whether you’re seeking a vegan twist or exploring different pasta, there’s something here for everyone. Embrace the freshness of avocados and basil for a simple meal. Enjoy this dish anytime, and share it with friends and family for a meal they’ll love!

Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

Indulge in a deliciously creamy avocado pesto pasta that’s perfect for any occasion! This simple recipe combines ripe avocados, fresh basil, and garlic to create a rich pesto that coats your favorite pasta beautifully. With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a wholesome meal ready in just 25 minutes. Click through for the full recipe and treat yourself to this nutritious and flavorful dish today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 ripe avocados

1 cup fresh basil leaves

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)

1/2 cup olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

300g pasta of choice (spaghetti or fettuccine works great)

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

Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)

Extra basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocados, fresh basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts. Pulse until finely chopped.

      Add Oil: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is creamy and smooth.

        Season: Add the lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; pulse to combine. If the pesto is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

          Combine: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

            Serve: Plate the creamy avocado pesto pasta and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and additional fresh basil leaves.

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