Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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The Comfort of Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

There’s something truly soothing about a bowl of creamy avocado pasta. I love how it blends the silky softness of ripe avocado with the gentle bite of perfectly cooked penne. It’s simple yet decadent—a little golden comfort in every forkful that feels like a weekend hug from the inside.

When I first made this Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe, I was searching for a quick, fresh dinner that didn’t weigh me down but still felt indulgent. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic mingling with the bright zing of lemon juice convinced me I’d struck gold. You’ll notice how easy it is to toss together without needing a stove full of pots or complicated steps.

Whether you’re a weeknight warrior or a casual home cook, this dish offers warmth and brightness that feels both familiar and a bit special. I can’t wait to share with you exactly how to make it your new go-to.

Ingredient Guide

• 8 ounces penne pasta: The perfect shape to catch the creamy sauce. Feel free to swap for gluten-free or whole wheat varieties.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity warmth for sautéing onion and garlic.
• 1/4 white onion, diced: Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic foundation.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant, savory punch that rounds out the sauce.
• 1 medium avocado: Creates the velvety base of this sauce; look for ripe but firm for best texture.
• 1/4 cup cilantro, roughly chopped: Fresh and herbaceous, but parsley works if you prefer milder notes.
• 1/2 lemon, juiced: Adds bright acidity that lifts the richness beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Balances flavors without overpowering.
• Pepper to taste: A little heat enhances the overall flavor.
• Chopped cilantro and pumpkin seeds (optional): For garnish—pumpkin seeds add a delightful crunch.

Prep Before You Begin

Planning makes any recipe flow more smoothly, and this Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe is no exception. I always recommend setting out all your ingredients and tools first — that way you won’t be hunting for that garlic or forgot to reserve pasta water. There’s no oven needed here, so you can focus just on stovetop ease with a medium burner for your sauté and boiling water for the pasta.

How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until al dente. This slight bite is essential—overcooking will make the texture mushy and less satisfying. Before draining, scoop out a generous 1/4 cup of that starchy pasta water; it’s magic for loosening the sauce later.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic: While pasta bubbles away, warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and let it soften and turn lightly translucent—about 3 to 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic next, gently stirring for another minute until you catch that aromatic garlic fragrance without any browning to keep it mellow.
3. Create the Avocado Sauce: Transfer the fragrant onion and garlic to a food processor, then add the ripe avocado, chopped cilantro, fresh lemon juice, and sea salt. Blend until the mixture is luscious and creamy with a velvety texture. This is where you start tasting and adjusting—if it feels thick, drizzle in a little of that reserved pasta water until it reaches a smooth, silky sauce that will coat every bite.

4. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot (off the heat) and pour your vibrant avocado sauce over it. Gently toss the pasta to coat each piece evenly—this step fills your kitchen with a fresh, herbaceous scent that’s so inviting. If you feel the sauce clings too thickly, add a splash more reserved pasta water to make it glide smoothly across each penne.
5. Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot or warm. Spoon portions onto plates and finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for freshness, plus a handful of toasted pumpkin seeds if you want a welcome crunchy contrast. I like how the seeds add a nutty pop that balances the creamy sauce beautifully.

Creative Variations for Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

• Add cherry tomatoes tossed in at the end for juicy bursts of sweetness.
• Swap cilantro with fresh basil for a more Italian herb flavor.
• Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for gentle heat.
• Stir in roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to add body and texture.
• Top with grilled shrimp or pan-seared chicken for extra protein.
• Try using spiralized zucchini noodles to lighten things up further.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The avocado sauce will darken slightly but tastes just fine if stirred well.
• Freezing not recommended: Avocado’s delicate texture and color shift when frozen—best to make fresh.
• Reheating tips: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out.
• Freshen it up: Sprinkle a little extra lemon juice or chopped herbs before serving leftovers to brighten flavors.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe FAQs

• Can I use other pasta shapes? Absolutely! Fusilli, farfalle, or linguine all work nicely. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
• Is this recipe vegan? Yes, it’s naturally vegan and dairy-free.
• How do I keep the avocado sauce from browning? The lemon juice helps slow browning, but serve soon after mixing for best color and flavor.
• Can I prep the sauce ahead? You can blend the sauce a few hours before and refrigerate, but stir in extra lemon and water right before tossing with pasta.
• What if I don’t have cilantro? Parsley or basil make great substitutes and bring slightly different but delicious herbaceous notes.

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