Quick Easy Avocado Pasta

There’s something magical about combining ripe, creamy avocados with perfectly cooked pasta. This Quick Easy Avocado Pasta recipe is one of those weeknight miracles that comes together in just 15 minutes, yet tastes like you’ve put in much more effort. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without feeling heavy, thanks to the naturally rich avocado-based sauce.

If you’ve ever found yourself with a ripe avocado sitting on the counter and wondered what to do with it besides guacamole or toast, this pasta recipe is your answer. By blending mashed avocado with garlic, lemon, and a splash of starchy pasta water, you get a velvety smooth sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. The diced tomato and fresh green onion add bursts of brightness and texture, while the garlic and lemon give it that extra zing.

What makes this recipe even better is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a quick weeknight dinner, a refreshing lunch, or even as a side dish at a summer barbecue. It’s naturally dairy-free, vegan-friendly (if you use egg-free pasta), and packed with healthy fats from the avocado, making it a nourishing meal you can feel good about eating.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Fresh and healthy: Packed with heart-healthy fats, fiber, and nutrients.
• Customizable: Add extra veggies, protein, or spices to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly: Uses simple, pantry and fridge staples.
• Family-friendly: Creamy pasta is always a hit, and kids love it too!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry pasta
• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 medium tomato, diced
• 1 green onion, finely sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated garlic (or minced)
• Juice from 1/4 of a lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help emulsify the avocado sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, scoop the avocado flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash it until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon not only adds brightness but also helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.

Step 3: Loosen the Sauce

Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to the avocado mixture. Stir until the sauce reaches a silky, pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until smooth.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Add the drained pasta, diced tomato, and sliced green onion to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the avocado sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few delicious ways to take your avocado pasta to the next level:

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling.
• Spicy twist: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot sauce.
• Cheesy upgrade: If you’re not avoiding dairy, add grated Parmesan or feta cheese.
• Extra veggies: Add spinach, arugula, zucchini ribbons, or roasted peppers for color and nutrients.
• Herb boost: Fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro would brighten up the flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips for Success

1. Use ripe avocados: They should be slightly soft when pressed. Overripe avocados will make the sauce too mushy, while underripe ones won’t blend smoothly.
2. Reserve pasta water: Don’t skip this step. The starchy water binds the sauce to the pasta and keeps it creamy without separating.
3. Serve immediately: Avocado sauce tastes best fresh. The longer it sits, the more it will darken.
4. Double the recipe: This dish is so quick that doubling it is easy—perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
5. Choose your pasta wisely: Penne, fusilli, or spaghetti all work great, but a shape with ridges will hold the sauce better.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Because avocado oxidizes quickly, this pasta is best enjoyed fresh. However, here are a few storage tricks:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 day. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta to slow browning.
• Refreshing leftovers: Add a splash of lemon juice or olive oil before reheating to restore creaminess.
• Not freezer-friendly: Avocado doesn’t thaw well, so avoid freezing this dish.

FAQs

Can I make this without pasta?
Yes! Try using zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or quinoa for a lighter version.

Is it okay to use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely. Lime gives a slightly different flavor but works just as well.

Can I make the sauce in a blender?
Yes! For an ultra-smooth sauce, blend the avocado, garlic, lemon, and seasonings in a food processor or blender.

What if I don’t have fresh tomatoes or green onion?
You can substitute with cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.

How do I stop avocado pasta from turning brown?
Use fresh lemon juice generously and serve immediately. Leftovers can be covered tightly with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the pasta to slow oxidation.

Wrapping It Up

This Quick Easy Avocado Pasta proves that weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. With just a handful of simple ingredients and 15 minutes, you can create a creamy, satisfying meal that’s healthy and full of flavor. The combination of ripe avocado, garlic, lemon, and pasta water creates a sauce that feels decadent yet is naturally wholesome.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or even entertaining friends, this avocado pasta is sure to impress. It’s flexible enough to adapt with whatever’s in your fridge and refreshing enough to enjoy year-round. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to weeknight saviors.

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Quick Easy Avocado Pasta

Make creamy avocado pasta in just 15 minutes! A healthy, dairy-free dinner with garlic, lemon, and fresh veggies.

Course Dinner, Gluten Free, Lunch, Pasta, Vegan

Cuisine American

Keyword Quick Easy Avocado Pasta

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dry pasta
• 1 large ripe avocado
• 1 medium tomato diced
• 1 green onion finely sliced
• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated garlic or minced
• Juice from 1/4 of a lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. This will help emulsify the avocado sauce later. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Sauce

• While the pasta is cooking, scoop the avocado flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash it until smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The lemon not only adds brightness but also helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.

Step 3: Loosen the Sauce

• Add about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to the avocado mixture. Stir until the sauce reaches a silky, pourable consistency. If it seems too thick, add more pasta water a tablespoon at a time until smooth.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

• Add the drained pasta, diced tomato, and sliced green onion to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the avocado sauce. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately.