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Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 58 reviews

This Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that combines al dente penne pasta with a smooth, zesty avocado cilantro sauce. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, it is easy to prepare using simple fresh ingredients and can be customized with gluten-free pasta or toppings like 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

  • Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
  • Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and creamy texture of the avocado sauce.
  • You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein if desired, though this will change the nutrition and diet categorization.

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