Looking for a wholesome, flavorful pasta dish that's both easy to make and bursting with nutrients? Look no further than Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta. This recipe combines the creamy goodness of avocados with the vibrant green of spinach to create a dish that's as delicious as it is nutritious. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch, this pasta recipe will leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or spaghetti)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional, for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the creamy avocado spinach sauce. In a food processor, combine the avocados, fresh spinach, basil leaves, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 3: Season the avocado spinach sauce with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes.
Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the creamy avocado spinach sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 5: Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cooking Note:
This recipe is best served immediately while the pasta is warm. However, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Just mix it with the pasta right before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the dish by garnishing it with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of pine nuts or walnuts, and a few fresh basil leaves. Pair it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for a complete meal. A glass of white wine or a light, sparkling beverage complements this dish beautifully.
Tips:
- Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe for the creamiest sauce. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy.
- Pasta Choice: Any type of pasta works well with this sauce, but long noodles like fettuccine or spaghetti hold the creamy sauce nicely.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The avocado sauce might darken slightly, but it will still taste great.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
15 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, offering a creamy, satisfying dish that's both healthy and delicious. It's perfect for those nights when you want something quick yet nutritious. Packed with the goodness of avocados and spinach, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out for your next meal, and enjoy the burst of fresh, vibrant flavors!
PrintCreamy Avocado Spinach Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta recipe is a healthy and flavorful dish that's quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch, this pasta combines the creamy texture of avocado with the nutritional benefits of spinach. Keywords like "creamy avocado pasta," "spinach pasta recipe," and "healthy avocado pasta" make this dish a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and nutritious meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or spaghetti)
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine avocados, spinach, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado-spinach sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan alternative.
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending and Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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