Creamy Basil Avocado Pasta

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Creamy Basil Avocado Pasta – A Fresh and Flavorful Summer Favorite

Looking for a light yet creamy pasta dish that bursts with fresh flavor? This Creamy Basil Avocado Pasta is the perfect weeknight meal — quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and packed with summer’s best ingredients. The luscious sauce is made with ripe avocado, tangy yogurt, fresh herbs, and zesty lime, blended into a vibrant green topping for your favorite pasta.

Whether you serve it with fettuccine, rigatoni, or even zucchini noodles, this dish brings together Italian comfort and a Southwestern kick — all in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Pasta

  • Light but creamy – Yogurt replaces heavy cream for a fresh, tangy texture without the richness.
  • Quick and easy – From boiling the pasta to blending the sauce, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes.
  • Versatile – Serve it warm for dinner or cold as a pasta salad. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or seasonal veggies for a complete meal.
  • Nutritious – Packed with healthy fats, antioxidants, and fiber from avocado and herbs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 10–12 oz fettuccine (or pasta of your choice: penne, rigatoni, linguine, zucchini noodles, etc.)
  • 1 ripe avocado (peeled and pitted)
  • 6 fresh basil leaves
  • 3 green onions (white parts only, thinly sliced)
  • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro (or flat-leaf parsley)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
  • ½ cup plain yogurt (Greek or regular, non-fat or full-fat)
  • 1 tbsp water (plus more as needed to thin the sauce)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Parmesan shavings, for garnish (optional)

Tip: If you don’t enjoy cilantro, feel free to substitute flat-leaf parsley.

How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) according to the package directions until al dente.
  • Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Optionally toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

2. Blend the Avocado Sauce

  • In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, basil, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, yogurt, water, salt, and pepper.
  • Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

3. Toss and Serve

  • Pour the avocado sauce over the warm pasta.
  • Toss gently until all the noodles are well coated.
  • Serve immediately with a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan and extra basil leaves for garnish, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy avocado pasta pairs beautifully with:

  • A Mediterranean Cobb Salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Toasted grissini or crusty sourdough bread on the side.
  • Crispy baked veggie fritters or grilled asparagus as appetizers.

For a more filling dish, you can add:

  • Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp
  • Roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes, broccoli, or bell peppers
  • Crispy chickpeas or a handful of arugula

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2–3 days.
  • To reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir in a splash of water, milk, or yogurt to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid overheating, as the yogurt-based sauce may separate.

Note: This dish is not suitable for freezing due to the avocado and dairy content.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
  • Mix in a spoonful of zhoug sauce for extra herby depth.
  • Use toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  • For a dairy-free version, swap yogurt for unsweetened coconut yogurt or mashed silken tofu.

Equipment You’ll Need

  • Food Processor or Blender – To blend the sauce until smooth.
  • Large Pasta Pot – For boiling the noodles.
  • Citrus Juicer – Makes extracting lime juice easier and mess-free.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 110 kcal
  • Carbs: 9g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 7g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Vitamin C: 14.8mg
  • Calcium: 80mg
  • Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients

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