Ingredients:
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta (spaghetti or linguine)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
- Fresh parmesan or nutritional yeast for serving
Instructions:
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Make avocado sauce: While pasta cooks, combine avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust consistency: Add 2-3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water to thin sauce if needed. It should be creamy but pourable.
- Combine: Toss hot pasta with avocado sauce, adding more pasta water as needed to coat evenly.
- Add tomatoes: Gently fold in halved cherry tomatoes.
- Serve: Divide into bowls, top with toasted pine nuts, red pepper flakes, and parmesan or nutritional yeast.
- Enjoy immediately: Best served right away while sauce is fresh and vibrant green.
Nutrition (per serving):
Calories: 445 | Protein: 12g | Carbs: 52g | Fiber: 12g | Fat: 23g
Comfort Food That Loves You Back
Transform your weeknight dinner with this creamy avocado pasta that proves healthy eating can be indulgent and satisfying. Ready in just 15 minutes, this vibrant green pasta delivers the comfort of a cream sauce without any dairy, using nutrient-dense avocados to create a silky, luxurious texture that coats every strand of pasta.
Avocados are nutritional powerhouses, packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and over 20 vitamins and minerals. When blended with fresh herbs and greens, they create a sauce that’s not only delicious but supports heart health, stable blood sugar, and sustained energy. This is comfort food that actually nourishes your body.
Health Benefits
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Monounsaturated fats support cardiovascular health and reduce bad cholesterol
- Nutrient Dense: Avocados provide potassium, folate, vitamins K, C, and E
- Blood Sugar Balance: Healthy fats and fiber prevent energy crashes
- Anti-Inflammatory: Antioxidants and healthy fats reduce inflammation
- Digestive Health: High fiber content supports gut health and regularity
- Nutrient Absorption: Healthy fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins from vegetables
Chef’s Tips for Perfect Results
- Ripe Avocados Essential: Use perfectly ripe avocados that yield to gentle pressure for creamiest sauce
- Pasta Water is Key: Reserved starchy pasta water helps sauce cling to pasta beautifully
- Work Quickly: Toss pasta with sauce immediately to prevent avocado from browning
- Add Lemon Generously: Extra lemon juice keeps sauce bright green and adds fresh flavor
- Toast Your Nuts: Toasted pine nuts add incredible nutty flavor and crunch
- Customize Your Protein: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Best made fresh, but you can prepare sauce up to 2 hours ahead. Press plastic wrap directly onto surface to prevent browning and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before tossing with hot pasta.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Lemon juice helps prevent oxidation. Work quickly, serve immediately, and press plastic wrap onto any leftovers. Adding more lemon juice helps maintain bright green color.
Can I make this vegan?
Absolutely! Skip the parmesan and use nutritional yeast instead for a cheesy flavor. The rest of the recipe is naturally plant-based.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
Mash avocados very well with a fork, finely chop spinach and herbs, and whisk everything together vigorously. It won’t be as smooth but will still be delicious.
Quick Weeknight Wellness
This creamy avocado pasta proves that healthy cooking doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In just 15 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that’s packed with nutrients, heart-healthy fats, and incredible flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something quick, satisfying, and actually good for you.
Make this your new go-to pasta recipe and enjoy comfort food that supports your health goals instead of derailing them.