I love making Avocado Pesto Pasta because it is quick, fresh, and creamy. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a light lunch. The vibrant flavors of basil and avocado always bring a smile to my face.

Growing up, my Dad James would often whip up a pasta dish on busy evenings. He believed good food should be simple and delicious. Now, I can see where he got that from when my daughter, Jennifer, asks for this quick recipe.

What You’ll Need

8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
1 ripe avocado
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

My Trusted Kitchen Tools

Pot for boiling pasta
Blender or food processor
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Mixing bowl
Serving dish

Bringing It All Together

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra pine nuts or basil if desired.

Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)

Feel free to swap the nuts with sunflower seeds or cashews if you want a different flavor. You can also add some spinach to the pesto for extra nutrients. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.

How We Love to Serve It

We enjoy this dish with a fresh side salad topped with balsamic vinaigrette. It’s also great alongside grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese does wonders too!

A Few Tips For Success

Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best flavor and creaminess in your pesto. If the pesto seems too thick, add a splash of water or extra olive oil to loosen it up. Don’t forget to adjust the salt and pepper to your taste!

Saving Some For Later

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To prevent browning, cover the surface with a layer of plastic wrap. Give it a good stir before serving again.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you enjoy this Avocado Pesto Pasta as much as I do. It’s a simple dish that packs a flavorful punch. Happy cooking and enjoy the time spent in your kitchen!

Your Questions, Answered

How do I know when my avocado is ripe for making Avocado Pesto Pasta?

A ripe avocado will feel slightly soft when you gently squeeze it in your palm. If it feels hard, leave it a day or two on the counter to ripen. If it’s mushy, it’s likely overripe.

Can I use other herbs in Avocado Pesto Pasta?

Yes, you can experiment with other herbs like cilantro or parsley if you want a different flavor. Just keep the same basic ratios in mind to maintain the creamy texture.

What can I serve with Avocado Pesto Pasta?

This dish pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad. It’s quite versatile and makes for a lovely meal at any time of the day.

Avocado Pesto Pasta

Author: sarah
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A quick and creamy dish featuring vibrant flavors of basil and avocado, perfect for a weeknight dinner or light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale

8 ounces pasta (spaghetti or your choice)
1 ripe avocado
2 cups fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado, basil, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta with the avocado pesto until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra pine nuts or basil if desired.

Notes

Make sure your avocado is ripe for the best flavor and creaminess. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pasta, avocado, pesto, quick meal, vegetarian