Description
If you’re short on time but still want something nourishing and flavorful, this Creamy 15 Minute Avocado Pasta is your new best friend. It’s velvety smooth, bursting with garlic, basil, and lemon, and so easy to make it almost feels like cheating. Ideal for a quick lunch, weeknight dinner, or even a healthy snack, this pasta is one of the ultimate quick meal ideas. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner recipes, healthy food ideas, or satisfying vegetarian meals, this one ticks all the boxes. Naturally vegan, endlessly customizable, and ready in less time than it takes to order takeout.
Ingredients
1 large ripe avocado
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 ounces pasta of choice
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Optional: grated Parmesan, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, arugula, or crispy chickpeas
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. While the pasta cooks, scoop the avocado into a food processor. Add garlic, basil, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
3. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to thin out the sauce to your desired consistency.
4. Place the drained pasta in a large bowl and pour the avocado sauce over it. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
6. Serve immediately. Garnish with Parmesan, fresh basil, or any additional toppings of your choice.
Notes
Use ripe avocados for best texture and flavor—overripe avocados may make the sauce bitter.
Don’t skip the lemon—it keeps the sauce green and adds brightness.
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh. The avocado sauce may darken after a few hours due to oxidation.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blended Sauce
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, avocado pasta, vegan dinner, 15 minute meal