Creamy Avocado Pasta with Spinach and Chili Flakes Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Avocado Pasta is a fresh, flavorful dish that’s both quick and easy to prepare. With a smooth avocado sauce and tender penne pasta, it’s perfect for a light lunch or a simple dinner. You’ll love how the garlic and lemon brighten up the creamy texture.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta (about 2-2.5 cups; semolina or any pasta)
- 2 cups water (for boiling pasta)
- Salt to taste
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup baby spinach (or basil, optional)
- Crushed black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water (or as needed, for sauce)
- Red chili flakes (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta using your preferred method. For stovetop, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a large pot, add salt, then pasta. Stir occasionally and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: If using an Instant Pot, add dry pasta, water, and salt to the pot, ensuring pasta is mostly covered. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow a 5-minute natural release, then quick release any remaining pressure. Drain any excess water.
- Step 3: Prepare the avocado sauce by blending the avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, spinach, salt, pepper, and 1/4 cup water in a food processor until smooth. Add more water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Garnish with red chili flakes and parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- For a nutty flavor, add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the sauce.
- Swap baby spinach for fresh basil to create a different aromatic twist.
- Add grated parmesan or vegan cheese for extra richness if you like.
- Use lemon zest along with the juice to brighten up the avocado sauce.
- If you want a spicier dish, increase the amount of red chili flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store leftover avocado pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Because avocado browns quickly, it’s best enjoyed fresh. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave, stirring to maintain creaminess. If it thickens too much on reheating, add a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, such as spaghetti, fusilli, or farfalle. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
How do I prevent the avocado sauce from browning?
Adding lemon juice helps slow browning, but avocado sauce is best served immediately. If you need to store it, keep it tightly covered and refrigerate, but expect some color change.
PrintCreamy Avocado Pasta with Spinach and Chili Flakes Recipe
This Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe offers a luscious, healthy alternative to traditional pasta sauces, combining ripe avocado, fresh spinach, and a hint of garlic with perfectly cooked penne. It’s quick to prepare using either stovetop or Instant Pot methods, making it a versatile, delicious, and nutritious meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes (stovetop) or 9 minutes (Instant Pot including pressure release)
- Total Time: 22 minutes (stovetop) or 19 minutes (Instant Pot)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta (about 2–2.5 cups), preferably semolina pasta or any pasta
- 2 cups water (for stovetop cooking)
- Salt, to taste
Avocado Sauce
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup baby spinach or basil (optional)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, adjust to taste
- ¼ cup water, plus more as needed
- Crushed black pepper, to taste
- Red chilli flakes, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, optional, for topping
Instructions
- Cook Pasta (Stovetop Method): In a large pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add salt to taste. Stir in the penne pasta, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente or to desired softness. Drain excess water and set pasta aside.
- Cook Pasta (Instant Pot Method): Place dry penne pasta into the Instant Pot. Add enough water to mostly cover the pasta and salt to taste. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set pressure valve to sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes for al dente or 5 minutes for softer pasta. Once cooking is complete, allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release of remaining pressure. Open the lid and drain any remaining water if necessary.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, lemon juice, olive oil (if using), garlic cloves, baby spinach or basil, salt, crushed black pepper, and ¼ cup water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to reach a creamy sauce consistency. Optionally, add Parmesan cheese at this stage and pulse to blend.
- Assemble the Pasta: Add the avocado sauce to the cooked pasta (either in the Instant Pot insert or a mixing bowl) and toss gently until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy avocado sauce.
- Serve: Sprinkle red chilli flakes over the pasta for a touch of heat and top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best freshness, as the avocado sauce may brown within a few hours.
Notes
- The recipe offers two methods for cooking pasta: stovetop and Instant Pot. Choose based on your equipment and preference.
- The avocado sauce is best served fresh as the avocado can oxidize and discolor over time.
- You can substitute baby spinach with fresh basil if preferred.
- Adding Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- Adjust water quantity in the sauce to achieve your preferred consistency.
- For a vegan version, omit Parmesan cheese.
Keywords: Avocado pasta, creamy avocado sauce, penne pasta, vegetarian pasta, healthy pasta recipe, quick pasta sauce, Instant Pot pasta
