Photo: Leigh Loftus
This post is one that’s long overdue. It’s long overdue because there are few things easier and more delicious than this pasta.
I am obsessed with it.
Of course, my obsession with avocados is nothing new but the idea of blending avocados into pasta was new to me when my friend Angie made it for dinner one Friday night.
The fact that avocados are healthy for you is a delightful bonus. They’re rich, creamy and indulgent – all words that are usually associated with the phrase “need to go to the gym.” Avocados though, are full of vitamins and “good fat” so you can hardly feel guilty blending them into also-healthy whole wheat pasta.
The Parmesan cheese? Gratuitous, I know. But when have I ever deprived you of cheese?
The original recipe is from Oh, She Glows and it couldn’t have been easier to replicate. Though it does require a food processor of some sort (a blender would work too), this is one of the easiest recipes I’ve ever made.
If you want to skip the instructions completely, you could, because all you’d need to do is take each ingredient and toss them into the bowl of your food-processing device, whatever that may be and hit “blend.”
There you have it.
Photo: Leigh Loftus
- 1 medium sized ripe Avocado, pitted
- ½ lemon, juiced + lemon zest to garnish
- 2 garlic cloves, to taste (Use one for a milder flavor, three if you love garlic)
- ½ teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 servings of your choice of pasta (I used whole wheat)
- Parmesan cheese (garnish, optional)
- Cook spaghetti according to the directions on the package. Meanwhile, place the garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. and blend until smooth. Next, add the avocado, basil, and salt and process until the mixture has a smooth and creamy consistency. Some of the basil pieces might not be completely blended - that's fine. Toss pasta with sauce and garnish with extra basil and Parmesan cheese.
106 Comments
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susan
August 18, 2012 at 7:38 pmjust made this dish for dinner and it’s a keeper! i served with spaghetti squash for a super healthy meal. the avocado sauce is a taste combination of pesto and guacamole and has enough body to be served as a dip with pita chips too 🙂
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Andrea
December 5, 2011 at 11:05 amhaha never mind… can’t wait to make it!
Andrea
December 5, 2011 at 11:03 amHow many plates does this yield?
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DessertForTwo
August 31, 2011 at 3:49 pmI don’t know why I’ve waited so long to try this! Must make soon!
Rafael
August 28, 2011 at 2:52 pmI stumbled this page yesterday, and I made it for dinner. It was delicious. The paste came a bit too thick so I had to add a bit of water, any other suggestions besides water? and how many portions does it make? Thanks! : )
Maris Callahan
August 29, 2011 at 10:41 amI would thin it with a little milk or maybe some more lemon juice. It makes 2 generous servings. Glad you enjoyed!
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Brittany Andres
July 19, 2011 at 8:25 pmThis is amazing. Can’t wait to try it, though I will leave out the Parmesan as I am vegan. Thanks much for posting!
Cailin
June 27, 2011 at 3:33 pmSUCH a good recipe… I made it for my parents using two different kinds of gluten-free pastas (elbow and ziti) which added a different, fun look and texture. Pair it with a good Pinot Noir and you have the perfect dinner!
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Valerie
June 21, 2011 at 4:32 pmI just finished making this and, oh my god, it is so good. Thanks for the recipe!
megan carroll
June 20, 2011 at 7:20 pmI could not stop eating it and now I fear I will never be able to eat again!
Aggie
June 20, 2011 at 2:06 pmOh…I keep hearing about avocado pasta!! What am I waiting for! Sounds amazing!
Shilpa
June 20, 2011 at 10:48 amI’ve made this twice already and is a super hit with the family….thanks for sharing this brilliant recipe..
-Shilpa
Katie Thacher
June 19, 2011 at 11:01 amThis looks AMAZING. I’m so looking forward to making that for dinner. I never thought of turning avocados into a pasta sauce.
Maria @ Scandifoodie
June 18, 2011 at 2:53 pmGorgeous recipe, I love the creaminess of avocado, this must be so nice!
Anne
June 16, 2011 at 10:05 pmThis looks seriously delicious – avocado and pasta…two of my favorite things! Can’t wait to try this!
Michelle @ A Voracious Appetite
June 16, 2011 at 4:06 pmWhat a great idea! I love avocado and quick dinners. This couldn’t be easier!
Rivki Locker (Ordinary Blogger)
June 16, 2011 at 8:03 amThat is indeed a great idea – avocado blended into pasta. Two of my favorite foods!
sheila @ Elements
June 15, 2011 at 11:33 amI’ve got to make this! Looks so good, and I know I would love every bite! 🙂
Dishes of Mrs. Fish
June 15, 2011 at 10:01 amMy husband loves avocados! Can’t wait to make this for him!
AshleyD
June 15, 2011 at 5:50 amMaris! I must have not followed you over to your new blog. I love it!
This recipe sounds so delicious. I can’t wait to try it! 🙂
betty
June 15, 2011 at 1:31 amyum id totally make this! i luv avocado anything :O)
Reeni
June 14, 2011 at 9:17 pmI’m completely smitten – can’t wait to get my hands on an avocado!
Kay
June 14, 2011 at 7:46 pmWow what an interesting idea- I’ll have to try this out!
Linda
June 14, 2011 at 3:05 pmOooh, this is so different! I love avocados and would have never thought to use it as a pasta sauce. I’m looking forward to trying this.
Lisa
June 14, 2011 at 12:11 pmI made it when Ang shared it on the Goog and just know that you really should only make the two servings suggested. I thought I’d be clever and make a whole box of pasta, but OH MY GOD DON’T. You won’t finish it and it won’t reheat well at all because, duh, it’s avocado. As they say, hindsight is 20/20. 😉
Velva
June 14, 2011 at 12:01 pmI love that you are singing the praises of avocado. Your dish looks fabulous.
Velva
Heather @girlichef
June 14, 2011 at 11:37 amWell, I’m a total avocado freak, so I say YES PLEASE! Simple, delicious…what more could a girl ask for? 😀
Priscilla - She's Cookin'
June 14, 2011 at 10:36 amHi, Maris! Love the idea of a creamy avocado sauce pasta sauce – so simple, yet so delicious! It’s a winner – just like you 🙂 Check your email for the official notification.
Amy @ Elephant Eats
June 14, 2011 at 9:58 amWow, this sounds delicious and easy! I love that you can get a creamy pasta sauce without all the saturated fat/calories of the normal creamy kinds.
Shilpa
June 14, 2011 at 9:53 amI made it yesterday for dinner – was loved by all….fantastic recipe…simple and yummy!
Thanks
Blond Duck
June 14, 2011 at 6:36 amHave a great Tuesday!
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
June 14, 2011 at 4:34 amCome avocado season I really must make this! We both love avocados and hubby loves pasta and I love cheese! 😀
Katherine Martinelli
June 14, 2011 at 2:12 amWhat a lovely recipe! I too love pasta dishes and turn to them often. I’ve never thought of adding avocado but just love the idea! So glad to have found your blog 🙂
Nami @ Just One Cookbook
June 14, 2011 at 2:01 amIt’s so strange that I (as well as others here) didn’t think of this pasta option. Both avocado and pasta are very common items in the kitchen yet we never think of combining together! Thanks for sharing this!
Roz
June 13, 2011 at 11:36 pmWhat a great idea. Thanks for sharing Maris, I’ve bookmarked (yet another of your recipes!!!) Have a wonderful week.
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Greg
June 13, 2011 at 9:39 pmI just saw this on the LA Times food blog. Way to go!
leslie
June 13, 2011 at 8:41 pmOh wow delicious! and what an easy recipe! I love it!
NancyC
June 13, 2011 at 8:10 pmI love avocados–what a great idea to use in pasta! I love easy recipes that are delicious as well as healthy!
Simply Life
June 13, 2011 at 7:48 pmI am LOVING this idea and will definitely have to try it soon!
Wenderly
June 13, 2011 at 7:30 pmOne word *swoon*…
lynn @ the actor's diet
June 13, 2011 at 7:19 pmman, oh man. i saw the LA times retweeting this all day and was wondering – now that i see it, i know why!
Lindsay H
June 13, 2011 at 6:44 pmWhat a fabulous recipe, Maris, as are all of your recipes. I am certainly a fan of this recipe, and of your wonderful blog! Thanks for sharing all of your incredibly delicious treats!
Lisa from Lisas Yarns
June 13, 2011 at 6:44 pmI am having some girlfriends over the last week of the month for a little packing party & already know I will be making this recipe. It sounds so good & so easy! That’s my kind of recipe! Esp when I will be days away from moving! 🙂
Amy
June 13, 2011 at 6:26 pmThis pasta is right up my alley! Any way I can find to fit avocado into a main dish I do! This sounds amazing, and I love the addition of the parmesan and basil, lovely flavors :)!
Susan
June 13, 2011 at 5:52 pmThis sounds like such an easy and delicious recipe! I love avocados!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking)
June 13, 2011 at 4:53 pmWhat a great idea! I’m not a huge avocado fan, but I do love how creamy it is. It would be great in pasta!
Lisa N
June 13, 2011 at 4:12 pmoh my, YUM. anything involving avocado and i am SO there 🙂
Running With Mascara
June 13, 2011 at 4:04 pmBoy, I’m glad I didn’t miss this post! I adore avocados and usually eat at least one a week! That pasta dish is happening this week!!
Lisa @ Tarte du Jour
June 13, 2011 at 3:58 pmMy neighbor has an avocado tree… I’ll have to tip toe on over there! This looks like a heavenly pasta!!
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Vanessa
June 13, 2011 at 3:50 pmCongrats on the LA Times feature!! This sounds soooo delicous. Avocados are one of my fave things.
Brooks at Cakewalker
June 13, 2011 at 3:35 pmMaris, So glad to have found you through the LA Times. This dish you’ve presented looks and sounds heavenly! Thank you for sharing the recipe.
Emma
June 13, 2011 at 2:28 pmWhile I love to bake, I’m not much of an inspiration when it comes to mealtimes. Dining with others helps, but it’s rare that I want to eat something OTHER than pasta for dinner. It is just. So. Delicious.
And presto-yummo, here is a delightful new way to dress up my aforementioned pasta. Thank you!
Melissa
June 13, 2011 at 2:27 pmOh, Maris…I do love your posts, but avocado recipes always break my heart a little. After years of denial, I finally confirmed my avocado allergy (I know, I know…SO TRAGIC, right?!) last year. I can have small portions now and again though (or so says my allergist). Perhaps, since the avocado in this is spread amongst two servings it is worth trying. If not, I can always look at your pretty pictures and sigh deeply.
Sawsan@chef in disguise
June 13, 2011 at 2:21 pmI love the idea of avocados with pasta! genious really!
Blond Duck
June 13, 2011 at 1:37 pmI love avacaos. Esp. guacamole!
Chris
June 13, 2011 at 1:25 pmCreamy avocado sauce w/ basil….swoon! This dish might get me to start eating pasta again! 🙂
Shannon
June 13, 2011 at 1:24 pmoh my, i would totally love this. Must remember to buy more avocados! they really should be a staple 🙂
Esther
June 13, 2011 at 1:04 pmyum i am SO making this.
Lucy@The Sweet Touch
June 13, 2011 at 1:00 pmThis looks delicious! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Caroline
June 13, 2011 at 12:56 pmThis is my ideal pasta, considering I’m an avocado-a-holic. I’ve never thought of using avocado as a sauce for a pasta though. Sounds delectable!
The Harried Cook
June 13, 2011 at 12:51 pmI have never had avocados with pasta before! Is that strange? This looks and sound incredible! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Terris@FreeEatsFood
June 13, 2011 at 12:28 pmWhat a great idea for a weeknight meal. I am obsessed with avocados, so I will happily try this out. An especially good idea for my son who is allergic to tomatoes….we are forever trying out non-tomato based pasta sauces!
Ali Grace
June 13, 2011 at 12:23 pmYou had me at easy, delicious, and pasta. Throw in avocado and I’m done for! I can not wait to try this. ASAP!
megan carroll
June 13, 2011 at 11:58 ami had just passed the avocados by in the grocery store- way under ripe… wish I had seen this first… I would have waited for them to get ripe. Looks delicious and will try it some time this week.
Mary
June 13, 2011 at 11:53 amThis looks delicious and is the kind of pasta that I love. It would be welcome at my table. I hope you have a great day. Blessings…Mary
Shari @ Chicago Cuisine Critique
June 13, 2011 at 11:44 amYum, yum, yum. I knew I should have bought an avocado at the grocery store yesterday… Darn it.
Tasha
June 13, 2011 at 11:36 amI recently saw a similar version of this and thought it looked fantastic. You’ve made me want to try it even more now!
Rachel W.
June 13, 2011 at 11:24 amI WILL be making this soon! I love Oh She Glows…
Fresh Garden
June 13, 2011 at 11:24 amDelightful and yummy! Wonderful!
Lenore
June 13, 2011 at 11:05 amOh, I am always looking for more ways to use avocados! I may need to make this for a quick dinner tonight 🙂
Gen
June 13, 2011 at 11:03 amI looove avocado!!!! 😀 Will definitely be trying this out soon!
Three-Cookies
June 13, 2011 at 11:01 amQuick and easy, plus nutritious. It ticks pretty much all the boxes:)
polwig
June 13, 2011 at 11:01 amI have never used avocado as a “cream” portion of the dish, what a genius idea. Thank you this looks amazing.
Chrissy
June 13, 2011 at 10:46 ammmmm this looks so good! It also makes me crave a good creamy avocado dish.
Shaina
June 13, 2011 at 10:42 amLove avocado. Can’t wait to try this!
Olga @ mangotomato
June 13, 2011 at 10:39 amlove avocadoes. and pasta. and cheese. this is such a great combination!
The Waspy Redhead
June 13, 2011 at 10:27 amYum – I adore avocados, but I’ve never thought to use them in this way.
Erica
June 13, 2011 at 10:19 amI TOTALLY want to try this! Josh just started eating avocados and I think he would appreciate them mashed into his pasta. Good stuff!
Nicole@HeatOvenTo350
June 13, 2011 at 9:53 amI’ve been meaning to make this, but now you’ve really convinced me it. It looks delicious!
Greg
June 13, 2011 at 9:23 amI’ve never used avocado this way, sounds cool. Like a creamy pesto.
Rachel @ Not Rachael Ray
June 13, 2011 at 9:22 amThis looks so good! I love avocados and I would have never thought of blending one into a pasta sauce. I bet it is so creamy.
Junia @ Mis Pensamientos
June 13, 2011 at 9:05 amahhh avocado pasta sounds heavenly!!! LOVE this!
mandy
June 13, 2011 at 8:50 amThis sounds fabulous!
rebecca
June 13, 2011 at 8:31 amoh wow genius idea looks so tasty
Shilpa
June 13, 2011 at 8:27 amsimple and yummy! I love Avocados – great recipe idea…never thought of blitzing it and using it in the pasta…
-Shilpa
yummychunklet
June 13, 2011 at 8:03 amThis looks like a delicious avocado recipe. Thanks for sharing!
amy @ fearless homemaker
June 13, 2011 at 7:49 ammmm, what a fabulous idea! i love avocado + am always looking for new ways to cook with it. seeing as i’m a crazy pasta lover, this is the perfect combination for me. going to try it later this week! =)
marla
June 13, 2011 at 7:48 amLove this creamy avocado pasta Maris. Avocado makes a great base for sauces & pretty much everything 😉
We would love if you submitted this recipe & any two other side dishes to the 2nd week of Get Grillin’