Creamy 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
Scale
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
