Creamy Avocado Pasta

A vibrant, creamy pasta dish bursting with fresh flavors — ripe avocados, fragrant basil, zesty lemon, and roasted cherry tomatoes come together to create a fresh, satisfying meal. This pasta is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a refreshing summer picnic dish. Creamy without any dairy, it’s naturally vegan and packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Avocado Pasta strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and healthfulness. The rich texture of ripe avocados creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta, while the fresh spinach and basil add herbaceous notes and vibrant color. The roasted cherry tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and slight caramelized tang, complementing the zesty lemon and subtle heat from chili flakes.

It’s quick and easy to make in just 20 minutes, requires minimal cooking, and can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences like gluten-free or nut-free. Plus, it’s packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamins, and fiber.

 Ingredients (US Measurements)

For the Pasta & Veggies:

• 14 oz rigatoni or your favorite pasta (about 4 cups dry)

• 1½ cups frozen peas (can substitute with fresh peas or edamame)

• 10.6 oz cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups)

• 2 ripe avocados (medium-sized, soft to the touch)

• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

• 1 oz fresh basil leaves (about 1 cup loosely packed)

• 3.5 oz fresh spinach (about 3 cups, loosely packed)

• 4 tbsp pine nuts (can substitute walnuts or sunflower seeds)

• ½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)

• 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Juice of 2 lemons (about ¼ cup) and zest of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

 Nutritional Info (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 14 g (mostly healthy fats from avocado and olive oil)

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fiber: 6 g

Note: These values may vary depending on pasta brand and portion size.

 How to Prepare Creamy Avocado Pasta — Step by Step

Step 1: Roast the Cherry Tomatoes

Roasting cherry tomatoes adds a wonderful depth of flavor — it intensifies their natural sweetness and softens their texture, making them the perfect complement to the creamy avocado sauce.

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Place the cherry tomatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

• Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper.

• Toss to coat evenly.

• Roast in the oven for about 8 minutes, or until the skins start to blister and the tomatoes become soft but still hold their shape.

• Remove from oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta and Peas

Cooking the pasta perfectly al dente is key to a great pasta salad or dish. Adding the peas during the last minute or so of cooking ensures they stay tender yet vibrant and retain a pleasant bite.

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

• Add the rigatoni or your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until just shy of al dente (usually 1-2 minutes less than recommended).

• About 1 minute before the pasta is done, add the frozen peas directly to the boiling water to cook together. This helps peas stay bright green and tender.

• Drain the pasta and peas in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta for a salad-style dish.

• Set aside to drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Pesto Sauce

This is the heart of the dish — a vibrant, creamy sauce made without cream or cheese, but with wholesome, fresh ingredients blended to silky perfection.

• In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine:

  • 2 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)

  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

  • 1 oz fresh basil leaves

  • 3.5 oz fresh spinach

  • 4 tbsp pine nuts

  • ½ tsp chili flakes (or less for milder flavor)

  • 5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • Juice of 2 lemons and zest of 1 lemon

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• Blend until completely smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water or olive oil at a time to reach your desired consistency.

• Taste and adjust seasoning — more lemon juice for brightness, more chili flakes for heat, or salt as needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad

Now it’s time to combine all your components into a vibrant, flavorful dish.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and peas with the avocado pesto sauce.

• Gently fold to evenly coat the pasta without breaking it apart.

• Add the roasted cherry tomatoes and carefully fold them in to distribute but keep their shape intact.

• Taste and adjust seasoning once more, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

• Plate the creamy avocado pasta in serving bowls or on a large platter.

• Sprinkle with extra chili flakes for a pop of color and heat (optional).

• Optionally, toast a handful of pine nuts in a dry pan and sprinkle on top for a crunchy contrast.

• Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 hour for a refreshing cold pasta salad.

 Tips for the Perfect Creamy Avocado Pasta

1. Choose ripe avocados: The key to a creamy sauce is ripe, soft avocados that blend smoothly. Avoid underripe (hard) or overripe (brown and mushy) avocados.

2. Use fresh herbs: Fresh basil and spinach add vibrant color and flavor. Frozen or dried herbs won’t provide the same bright taste.

3. Roast the tomatoes: Don’t skip roasting — it transforms the tomatoes and adds a caramelized sweetness that balances the creaminess.

4. Adjust heat level: The chili flakes add a gentle kick. Adjust according to your preference or omit for a milder version.

5. Nut substitutions: If pine nuts are hard to find or you have allergies, try walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds. Toast them lightly for extra flavor.

6. Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.

7. Prepare ahead: You can roast the tomatoes and prepare the avocado pesto sauce a few hours ahead. Keep the avocado sauce covered tightly to prevent browning.

8. Add protein: For a more substantial meal, toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.

9. Avoid browning: To keep the avocado sauce green and fresh-looking, add lemon juice generously and store leftovers in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly on the surface.

Nutritional Benefits of Creamy Avocado Pasta

• Avocados: Packed with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and potassium. They help lower bad cholesterol and support heart health.

• Spinach and basil: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A, C, K, and minerals like iron and calcium.

• Cherry tomatoes: Rich in vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to many health benefits.

• Olive oil: A cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, it provides healthy fats that promote brain and heart health.

• Pine nuts: Provide protein, magnesium, and healthy fats.

• Peas: Add fiber and plant-based protein to keep you fuller longer.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides or mains such as:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Grilled shrimp or chicken breasts for added protein

• Roasted or steamed vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free because it uses avocado and olive oil for creaminess instead of cheese or cream.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. The avocado sauce may brown slightly but will still taste delicious.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti will work well.

Can I add other veggies?

Yes! Cucumber, bell peppers, or asparagus tips make great additions for extra crunch and color.

Conclusion

This Creamy Avocado Pasta is a perfect example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a stunning, flavorful dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. With its creamy texture, bright lemony zing, and fresh vegetable bites, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free adaptable, and packed with nutrients.

Try making this recipe today and enjoy the fresh, creamy goodness of avocado in every bite!