Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta (Printable version)
Smooth avocado and fresh spinach blend with pasta and lemon for a nourishing, satisfying dish.
# What you need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz penne or spaghetti
02 - Salt, for pasta water
→ Sauce
03 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
04 - 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach
05 - 2 cloves garlic, peeled
06 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
09 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
10 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1/4 cup reserved pasta cooking water
→ Garnish
12 - Fresh basil leaves (optional)
13 - Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
14 - Extra Parmesan cheese
# How To:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain thoroughly.
02 - While the pasta cooks, combine avocados, spinach, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and creamy. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky texture.
03 - Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado-spinach mixture over it and gently toss to coat evenly, adding extra reserved pasta water if necessary for desired creaminess.
04 - Serve immediately, topped with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This sauce is so velvety and rich, it feels like sharing a little indulgence with a close friend.
- The combination of avocado and spinach makes it surprising how light yet satisfying it feels, becoming an instant favorite.
02 -
- Don’t skip reserving pasta water—it’s the magic ingredient that turns the sauce silky and helps it cling beautifully.
- I found that adding lemon juice last brightens the whole dish and stops the avocado from browning too quickly.
03 -
- Using perfectly ripe but firm avocados is the difference between a silky sauce and a chunky one.
- Adding the reserved pasta water gradually helps you control sauce thickness and sheen perfectly.