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This creamy avocado pesto pasta transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious meal in just 20 minutes. The combination of ripe avocados and fresh basil creates a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta perfectly, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
I first created this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying. My family immediately requested it become a regular in our dinner rotation, and now it appears on our table at least twice a month.
Ingredients
- Fresh ripe avocados: Your avocados should yield slightly to gentle pressure for the creamiest sauce
- Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for best flavor
- Vegetable broth: Adds depth without heaviness
- Fresh basil leaves: Look for vibrant green leaves without any browning
- Garlic cloves: Fresh provides the best aromatic punch
- Lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and prevents avocado browning
- Cashew parmesan: Adds a cheesy flavor without dairy
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1-2 tablespoons of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- Prepare the sauce:
- While pasta cooks, add avocados, olive oil, vegetable broth, basil, garlic, lemon juice, cashew parmesan, salt and pepper to a food processor. Process for 1-2 minutes, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed, until completely smooth and creamy.
- Check for seasoning:
- Taste the sauce and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. The sauce should be vibrant in flavor with a perfect balance of creaminess, brightness from the lemon, and herbaceous notes from the basil.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the avocado sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat each piece of pasta with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish:
- Transfer to serving bowls and top with additional fresh chopped basil, a sprinkle of cashew parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired for a hint of heat.
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The first time I served this to my vegan skeptic friend, they couldn't believe how rich and satisfying pasta could be without cream or cheese. The secret truly lies in using perfectly ripe avocados that create that luscious mouthfeel that makes this dish so craveable.
Storage Tips
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can oxidize over time. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to create a barrier against air. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of any leftover sauce before refrigerating. Consume within 24 hours for best quality. The sauce may darken slightly but will still taste delicious.
Ingredient Substitutions
For those with nut allergies, substitute the cashew parmesan with nutritional yeast or simply omit it. The pasta can be any shape or variety you prefer. Gluten free, whole wheat, chickpea or regular pasta all work beautifully. If fresh basil isn't available, you can use spinach for color and nutrition with a small amount of dried basil for flavor. Short on time? Store bought pesto can be blended with the avocado for a quick shortcut.
Serving Suggestions
This avocado pesto pasta makes a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. For added protein, consider topping with roasted chickpeas or white beans. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. For entertaining, serve family style in a large shallow bowl garnished with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges for an impressive presentation that takes minimal effort.
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This dish is proof that plant-based meals can feel indulgent yet nourishing, offering vibrant flavors and satisfying textures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this avocado pesto pasta ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh as avocados oxidize quickly. If needed, prepare the sauce separately and store in an airtight container with plastic wrap touching the surface to minimize browning. Add a bit of extra lemon juice as a preservative. Mix with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- → What can I substitute for cashew parmesan?
Nutritional yeast makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar cheesy flavor. Other options include store-bought vegan parmesan alternatives, hemp seed parmesan, or simply toasted breadcrumbs mixed with nutritional yeast and herbs.
- → Is this pasta gluten-free?
The sauce is naturally gluten-free. Simply use your preferred gluten-free pasta as mentioned in the ingredient list to make the entire dish gluten-free.
- → How do I know if my avocados are ripe enough?
The perfect avocados for this sauce should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy. They should be dark in color and feel heavy for their size. If your avocados aren't quite ripe, place them in a paper bag with a banana or apple to speed ripening.
- → What can I add to this pasta for extra protein?
Great additions include white beans, chickpeas, pan-seared tofu, or tempeh. For non-vegan options, grilled chicken or shrimp work well with the avocado sauce flavors.
- → Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is strongly recommended for this sauce as it provides vibrant flavor and color. Dried basil won't create the same bright, aromatic result. If fresh basil isn't available, try fresh spinach with a pinch of dried basil for color and a hint of flavor.