Name: Creamy Avocado Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghetti or your favorite pasta; 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 2 garlic cloves; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/3 cup olive oil; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Optional toppings: freshly grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, extra basil

Why You’ll Love Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

The sauce comes together in minutes and delivers rich creaminess without heavy cream or butter — just the avocado itself. It’s bright from the lime and herbaceous from the cilantro, making it fresh yet comforting. It works for vegetarian or vegan meals (with a few tweaks) and can be ready on a busy weeknight. Because you’ll love its speed, flavor, texture, and versatility.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (we used whole wheat spaghetti)
1 large ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
fresh lime juice
garlic, minced
chopped fresh cilantro
kosher salt (or other good salt)
freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente (about 8‑10 minutes for most spaghetti).
While the pasta cooks, make the sauce: in a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, garlic, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
When the pasta is done, drain it and place it into a large bowl. Immediately add the avocado sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve right away.
Note: This pasta is best eaten the day it is made. Leftovers may darken or separate.

Servings and timing

Serves: Approximately 2–3 people
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

Add extra veggies: stir in steamed broccoli, roasted cherry tomatoes, or asparagus for more texture and color.
Add protein: mix in grilled shrimp, sautéed chicken, or crispy bacon for a non-vegetarian version.
Swap herbs: if you’re not a fan of cilantro, use fresh basil or parsley instead for a milder flavour.
Make it vegan: this dish is inherently vegetarian; to ensure it’s fully vegan, just skip any optional cheese topping.
Change the pasta: use penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Add a twist: a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika adds heat and depth.

Storage/Reheating

This pasta is best served fresh because the avocado sauce may change texture or darken when stored. If you must store:

Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 day. The sauce may contract or darken.
When reheating, warm the pasta gently and toss lightly; avoid high heat which may cause separation.
For best results, you might reserve a little extra avocado sauce to re-mix just before serving, rather than reheating.

FAQs

What kind of avocado should I use?

Choose a large, ripe avocado that yields slightly when pressed gently. This ensures a creamy, smooth sauce without lumps.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Because avocado oxidizes (turns brown) and the sauce may darken or lose its smooth texture, it’s best eaten immediately or within a few hours.

Can I use a different herb instead of cilantro?

Yes — basil or parsley are great alternatives if you don’t care for cilantro’s flavour.

Is this dish suitable for vegans?

Yes — the basic recipe is vegan if you skip any optional cheese topping. The sauce uses no dairy.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely. While the original uses spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or other shapes work well and may hold the sauce differently.

What if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a small splash of pasta cooking water or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Yes — if you eat dairy, a sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino adds flavour contrast and richness.

How can I add more flavour or texture?

Top with roasted nuts (e.g., pine nuts, almonds), crunchy breadcrumbs, roasted cherry tomatoes, or crisped pancetta/bacon.

Is this pasta gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free pasta, then yes — the sauce itself is free from gluten.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables make good companions without overpowering the avocado flavour.

Conclusion

This Creamy Avocado Pasta offers a refreshing twist on classic creamy pasta dishes — rich, easy, and full of fresh flavour. With just a handful of ingredients and around 15 minutes, you’ll have a meal that feels indulgent yet light. Its versatility means you can adapt it for vegetarian, vegan, or protein-rich preferences, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights. If you’re an avocado lover or just looking for a fresh pasta alternative, this one’s worth keeping in your regular rotation.