Introduction

This creamy avocado pasta is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish. Made with ripe avocado, garlic, and fresh spinach, it offers a smooth, vibrant sauce that coats perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta (semolina or any pasta, about 2–2.5 cups)
2 cups water
Salt, to taste
1 large ripe avocado
2 garlic cloves
1 cup baby spinach (or basil, optional)
Crushed black pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water (or as needed)
Red chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta. For stovetop, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot with salt. Add pasta, stir occasionally, and cook according to package instructions (about 10–12 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside. For Instant Pot, add dry pasta, water, and salt to the pot. Ensure pasta is mostly covered with water. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release remaining pressure. Drain any excess water.
Step 2: Prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor, combine avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, spinach (if using), salt, crushed black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach the desired consistency. Optionally, add parmesan cheese to the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble the dish. Add the avocado sauce to the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle with red chili flakes and top with parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and color, as avocado can darken over time.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh basil instead of spinach for a different herb flavor in the sauce.
Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra texture and richness.
To keep the avocado sauce bright, squeeze a bit more lemon juice before serving.
If you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store any leftover creamy avocado pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. The avocado sauce may darken and change texture over time, so it is best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently if needed, but avoid high heat to prevent discoloration and preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, any short pasta like fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni will work well with the creamy avocado sauce.

How do I prevent the avocado pasta from turning brown?

Adding lemon juice helps slow browning, and serving the dish shortly after mixing is ideal. You can also store leftovers covered with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.

Creamy Avocado Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 59 reviews

This Creamy Avocado Pasta is a quick, nutritious, and delicious meal featuring a smooth avocado and spinach sauce tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Combining fresh ingredients like ripe avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and baby spinach, this recipe delivers a creamy texture without any dairy. Suitable for a light lunch or dinner, it can be prepared on the stovetop or using an Instant Pot for convenience.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

8 oz penne pasta (semolina or any pasta, about 2–2.5 cups)
2 cups water
salt to taste

Avocado Sauce

1 large ripe avocado
2 garlic cloves
1 cup baby spinach (or basil, optional)
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
salt to taste
crushed black pepper to taste
1/4 cup water (or as needed)

Garnish

red chilli flakes
parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Using the stovetop method, bring 2 cups of water and salt to a boil in a large pot. Add the penne pasta, stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente or desired texture. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, add dry pasta, water, and salt into an Instant Pot ensuring the pasta is mostly covered by water. Seal the pressure valve and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes (for al dente). Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure and drain if needed.
Prepare Avocado Sauce:
In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, baby spinach (or basil), salt, crushed black pepper, and 1/4 cup of water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as necessary to achieve a creamy, sauce-like consistency. Optional: add parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Assemble the Pasta:
Add the avocado sauce to the cooked pasta (in the Instant Pot insert if used or in a mixing bowl). Toss thoroughly until every piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. This avocado pasta is best served within 2-3 hours to avoid browning of the avocado.
Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle red chilli flakes over the pasta and top with additional parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, creamy flavors.

Notes

Using ripe avocados is critical for a creamy sauce.
You can substitute baby spinach with fresh basil leaves for a different flavor profile.
If you prefer a cheesier sauce, adding parmesan cheese in the blender or as garnish enhances taste.
For softer pasta in the Instant Pot, increase cook time to 5 minutes.
The avocado sauce might brown after a few hours, so serve promptly for best presentation.
Adjust salt and pepper according to personal taste.

Keywords: creamy avocado pasta, avocado pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe, quick avocado pasta, healthy pasta recipe, spinach avocado sauce, penne pasta recipe