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Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 98 reviews

This creamy avocado pasta is a quick and delicious meal featuring a smooth avocado-based sauce blended with sautéed onion and garlic, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s fresh, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or light lunch option. The recipe is customizable with gluten-free pasta and optional pumpkin seeds for added crunch.

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

  • For a gluten-free option, substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta.
  • To enhance the flavor, use ripe avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy.
  • If the sauce seems too thick, reserved pasta water is key to achieving a creamy and smooth consistency.
  • Optional pumpkin seeds add a nice crunch and additional nutrition to the dish.
  • Serve immediately for the best taste and texture as avocado sauce can brown if left too long.

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