Avocado pesto pasta is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic pesto dish. By replacing traditional ingredients like Parmesan cheese with rich and velvety avocado, this dish becomes not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free option or simply want to enjoy a fresh, healthy meal, this recipe is a perfect choice.
One of the best things about avocado pesto pasta is how quickly it comes together. In just 20 minutes, you can have a satisfying meal that’s bursting with fresh basil, garlic, and the natural creaminess of avocado. Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different pasta types, add protein for a heartier meal, or even use it as a cold pasta salad.
If you enjoy fresh and vibrant flavors, you may also love trying out other avocado-based recipes like Fiesta Avocado Corn Salad. For those who prefer a heartier pasta dish, this Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo offers a rich and spicy alternative. And if you’re a pesto lover, this Lemon Pesto Rigatoni with Burrata and Roasted Pine Nuts is another must-try.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to create the perfect avocado pesto pasta, from essential ingredients to step-by-step instructions and expert tips for serving and storing leftovers.
What You’ll Need
Essential Ingredients
To make this creamy and nutritious avocado pesto pasta, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Here’s a breakdown of the key components:
- Avocado: The star of the show! Avocados add a creamy texture and a boost of healthy fats, making this pesto not only delicious but also nutritious.
- Basil: Fresh basil is essential for creating the signature pesto flavor. It brings a fragrant, herbal quality that pairs perfectly with the richness of avocado.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves of garlic will give your pesto the aromatic punch it needs. If you’re sensitive to garlic, feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice helps balance the richness of the avocado with a hint of brightness, preventing the pesto from becoming too heavy.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the best choice for its flavor and health benefits. It helps to emulsify the pesto and achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Pasta: While you can use any pasta you prefer, opt for a hearty shape like spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli to allow the creamy pesto to cling to each noodle.
- Salt & Pepper: These basic seasonings will enhance the flavors of the pesto and pasta, adding depth and balance.
Kitchen Tools
Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools to help streamline the process:
- Blender or Food Processor: You’ll need this to blend the avocado, basil, garlic, and olive oil into a smooth pesto.
- Large Pot: For cooking your pasta to perfection.
- Strainer or Colander:To drain the cooked pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl: To combine your pasta and pesto, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
With these ingredients and tools, you’re all set to make your avocado pesto pasta.
Ingredients List
Now that you know what you’ll need, let’s dive into the exact measurements for making the perfect avocado pesto pasta. This recipe serves 4 people, and it’s easy to adjust depending on how many servings you need.
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for those who prefer a dairy version)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni recommended)
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for garnish)
Optional Substitutions
- Vegan/Dairy-Free Version: Omit the Parmesan cheese and substitute with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor or simply skip it altogether.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pasta such as brown rice or quinoa pasta.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
Now that we’ve got the ingredients covered, you’re ready to start making your creamy avocado pesto pasta!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Avocado Pesto
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by peeling and pitting the avocados. Place the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add the fresh basil leaves, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- Blend the Pesto: Pulse the ingredients a few times to begin breaking everything down. Then, with the blender or processor running, slowly pour in the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything blends well.
- Taste and Adjust: Once the pesto is smooth, taste it and add salt and pepper to suit your preference. If you want a bit more zest, you can add a little extra lemon juice.
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil the Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta of choice (spaghetti, fusilli, or rigatoni all work great).
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions for an al dente texture. For most pasta, this will take about 8-10 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to keep it from sticking together.
- Drain the Pasta: Once your pasta is cooked to your liking, drain it in a colander, reserving about 1/2 cup of the cooking water to help loosen the pesto sauce if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Pesto: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto. If the pesto seems too thick, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy consistency.
Now your avocado pesto pasta is ready to enjoy!
Nutrition Score & Health Benefits
Nutritional Breakdown
Avocado pesto pasta isn’t just a flavorful dish—it’s also packed with nutrients that contribute to a balanced diet. Here’s the nutritional breakdown for one serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe):
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 9g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
While the calorie count might seem high, most of the fat comes from heart-healthy avocado and olive oil, which provide essential monounsaturated fats. The fiber from both the avocado and pasta helps to keep you full longer, making this a satisfying meal.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
- Avocados: Packed with healthy fats, avocados are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, and K, as well as B-vitamins and folate. They also contain antioxidants that promote heart health and reduce inflammation.
- Basil: This fresh herb isn’t just aromatic—it’s full of vitamins A, K, and C, and it provides anti-inflammatory properties. Basil is also known for its antibacterial and antioxidant effects.
- Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties, garlic contains compounds like allicin that have been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.
- Olive Oil: Rich in monounsaturated fats, olive oil supports heart health, lowers bad cholesterol levels, and helps with inflammation. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin E, which promotes skin health.
- Pasta: The carbs from pasta provide a quick source of energy. Opting for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can add additional fiber and nutrients.
This avocado pesto pasta is not only delicious but also a nutrient-dense meal that helps support a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Serving & Storage Tips
Best Ways to Serve
Avocado pesto pasta is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences or meal plans. Here are a few suggestions to make the dish even more delicious:
- Add Protein: You can turn this dish into a more substantial meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or even roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. These additions complement the creamy pesto perfectly.
- Garnish with Pine Nuts: For a bit of crunch and extra flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top of your pasta. The nutty taste pairs wonderfully with the richness of the avocado pesto.
- Pair with a Salad: Serve your pasta alongside a light, refreshing salad, like this Fiesta Avocado Corn Salad, for a well-rounded meal. The freshness of the salad will balance the creamy pasta.
Storage & Meal Prep
If you have leftovers, or if you’d like to meal prep for the week, here’s how you can store and reheat your avocado pesto pasta:
- Storing Leftovers: Avocado pesto can start to brown due to oxidation, so it’s best to store the pasta in an airtight container. To keep it fresh for longer, add a small drizzle of olive oil over the pasta before sealing the container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the pasta with the avocado pesto, you can freeze the cooked pasta separately. To serve, just prepare fresh avocado pesto and toss it with the defrosted pasta.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water or olive oil. Be mindful not to overheat, as this can affect the texture of the avocado pesto.
This dish is perfect for meal prep and can be enjoyed throughout the week with minimal effort.
Variations & Customizations
Make It Vegan
To make this recipe fully vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative. You can also add nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without any dairy. If you prefer a different texture or flavor, try adding roasted sunflower seeds or walnuts to the pesto as a replacement for pine nuts.
Add Veggies
Avocado pesto pasta can be customized with extra veggies for added flavor and nutrition. Here are a few suggestions:
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, caramelized tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color to the dish.
- Zucchini Noodles: For a lighter, low-carb option, swap in zucchini noodles or add them alongside your regular pasta for a veggie-packed twist.
- Spinach or Arugula: Fresh greens like spinach or arugula pair wonderfully with the pesto, adding even more vitamins and minerals.
Spicy Avocado Pesto
If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the pesto. This will give the dish a subtle kick that complements the creaminess of the avocado.
Gluten-Free Version
For a gluten-free version of this recipe, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. You can choose from a variety of options, including rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or even chickpea pasta for extra protein. The avocado pesto will work just as well with any of these alternatives, making it a perfect dish for those with dietary restrictions.
Protein Options
- Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast adds a lean protein boost that complements the flavors of the avocado pesto pasta perfectly.
- Shrimp: For a lighter protein option, try adding grilled shrimp or shrimp sautéed with garlic and olive oil.
- Tofu or Tempeh: For a plant-based protein, tofu or tempeh can be seasoned and grilled to create a satisfying addition to the pasta.
With these easy tweaks, you can create a customized version of avocado pesto pasta to suit any dietary preference or craving!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does avocado go well with pesto pasta?
Yes! Avocado makes an excellent addition to pesto pasta. Its creamy texture helps create a smooth, rich pesto that coats the pasta beautifully. The mild flavor of avocado complements the fresh basil and garlic in traditional pesto, making this variation both delicious and nutritious. Plus, it adds healthy fats that make the dish extra satisfying.
Is pesto the healthiest pasta sauce?
Pesto can be a healthy pasta sauce, especially when made with fresh ingredients like basil, olive oil, and avocado. The olive oil in pesto provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, while basil adds antioxidants. However, traditional pesto contains cheese, which adds calories and fat. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can omit the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that pesto should be enjoyed in moderation, as it is calorie-dense due to the oils and nuts.
Which pasta goes well with pesto?
Most types of pasta pair wonderfully with pesto. Traditional choices include spaghetti, fusilli, and rigatoni. These shapes have enough surface area to hold onto the pesto sauce. You can also use whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly option. The key is to pick a pasta that holds the sauce well and complements the creamy texture of the pesto.
Does avocado pesto go brown?
Yes, avocado pesto can brown over time due to oxidation, which is a natural process. To prevent this, try squeezing a bit of fresh lemon juice into the pesto or store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top. This can help keep the pesto fresher for longer. If you’re storing leftovers, keep them in the fridge and consume them within 2 days for the best flavor and color.
Conclusion
Avocado pesto pasta is a delightful twist on the traditional pesto recipe, offering a creamy, rich texture with the health benefits of avocado. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is versatile and easy to make. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and fresh ingredients, it’s both delicious and nutritious.
You can easily customize this dish to suit your dietary needs by adding protein, extra vegetables, or trying different pasta varieties. Don’t forget to experiment with variations like a vegan version or a spicy kick for a unique flavor experience.
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out more mouthwatering dishes like Fiesta Avocado Corn Salad, Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo, and Lemon Pesto Rigatoni with Burrata and Roasted Pine Nuts.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of creamy, flavorful avocado pesto pasta—it’s sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation!