Creamy Vegan Avocado Pasta (Printer-Friendly)
Silky avocado, basil, and pine nuts blend into a rich, plant-based sauce coating pasta for a vibrant, quick meal.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 -
12 ounces dry spaghetti or preferred pasta shape
→ Sauce
02 -
2 medium ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
03 -
1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
04 -
1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
05 -
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
06 -
2 cloves garlic, peeled
07 -
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
08 -
3/4 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
09 -
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
→ Finishing and Garnish
10 -
1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water, as needed
11 -
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
12 -
Cherry tomatoes, halved (optional, for serving)
# Steps to Make This:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and return to the pot.
02 -
In a food processor, combine avocados, basil, toasted pine nuts, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend until very smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down sides as necessary. If the sauce appears too thick, pulse in an additional tablespoon of olive oil.
03 -
Add the avocado basil sauce to the warm drained pasta. Toss well to completely coat the noodles. If the sauce is too thick, gradually mix in small amounts of reserved pasta water until silky and evenly distributed.
04 -
Transfer pasta to bowls or plates. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves, a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper, and, if desired, halved cherry tomatoes. Serve immediately for best color and flavor.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
To prevent the avocado sauce from browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface before sealing in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add extra lemon juice for better color retention.
02 -
Toasted pine nuts provide a deeper, nutty flavor. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently.
03 -
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh but the sauce can be made ahead and frozen in ice cube trays for easy portioning.