Name: Avocado Pesto Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (such as spaghetti or penne); Salt (for pasta water); 2 ripe avocados (pitted and peeled); 2 cups fresh basil leaves; 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts); 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper (to taste); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Avocado Pesto Pasta is a fresh and creamy twist on traditional pesto, offering a vibrant and healthy meal in just 20 minutes. This dish combines ripe avocados with fragrant basil and nuts to create a luscious sauce that coats your favorite pasta perfectly.

Avocado Pesto Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 ounces whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (such as spaghetti or penne)
Salt (for pasta water)
2 ripe avocados (pitted and peeled)
2 cups fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: In a food processor, combine the avocados, basil leaves, pine nuts, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Pulse until smooth.
Step 3: With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Step 4: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your fresh and creamy avocado pesto pasta!

Tips & Variations

Use walnuts instead of pine nuts for a budget-friendly nutty flavor.
Add a handful of spinach or arugula to the pesto for extra greens.
For a vegan version, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto.

Storage

Store any leftover avocado pesto and pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the pasta gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. The avocado pesto is best fresh but can be refreshed with a squeeze of lemon juice before using again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make avocado pesto ahead of time?

Avocado pesto is best made fresh to maintain its vibrant color and flavor, but you can prepare it and store it in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to reduce browning. Use within 1 day for best results.

What pasta works best with avocado pesto?

Whole wheat or gluten-free spaghetti or penne work well because their shapes hold the creamy sauce nicely. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape for a personalized touch.