Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta (Print View)
Velvety pasta with avocado, spinach, garlic, and lemon for a fresh, satisfying flavor experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or spaghetti
02 - Salt, to season pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach
05 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled
06 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
09 - ½ tsp sea salt
10 - ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - ¼ cup reserved pasta cooking water
→ Garnish
12 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
13 - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain pasta.
02 - In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add 2 to 3 tbsp reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
03 - Return drained pasta to the pot. Pour avocado-spinach sauce over pasta and toss gently to coat evenly, adding additional reserved pasta water if required for creaminess.
04 - Plate immediately and garnish with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret with a friend when you tell them it’s made from avocados, not cream.
- The simplicity of blending fresh ingredients means you whip it up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
02 -
- Avocados brown quickly when exposed to air, so make the sauce just before tossing with pasta for the freshest taste and color.
- Reserving some pasta water is a game changer; it thins the sauce naturally without watering down flavor or richness.
03 -
- Use ripe but firm avocados to avoid a watery sauce.
- Adding pasta water gradually helps achieve the perfect sauce texture every single time.