The Best Avocado Pasta

Quick, creamy, and refreshingly light, this avocado pasta recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Made with ripe avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite pasta, this dairy-free dish is ideal for a busy weeknight meal. It’s a flavorful twist on traditional pasta sauces that’s both satisfying and nutritious—no blender required.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a go-to for anyone seeking a healthy, plant-forward meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or comfort. It’s:

• Ready in just 15 minutes

• Naturally dairy-free and can be made gluten-free

• Made with only a handful of whole ingredients

• Perfect for quick lunches or weeknight dinners

• Customizable with your favorite add-ins like tomatoes, pesto, or protein

Plus, it’s a clever way to use ripe avocados before they go bad.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces dry pasta

• 1 large ripe avocado

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• 1 green onion, finely sliced

• 1/4 teaspoon finely grated garlic

• Juice from a quarter of a lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1/2 cup reserved hot pasta water (use as needed)

Directions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

2. Mash avocado: While the pasta cooks, scoop the avocado into a large bowl. Mash with a fork until creamy. A few small chunks are okay.

3. Flavor the sauce: Add grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the mashed avocado. Mix well.

4. Add pasta water: Stir in about 1/4 cup of the reserved hot pasta water to thin the avocado mixture into a creamy sauce. Add more if needed for desired consistency.

5. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta, diced tomato, and green onion into the bowl. Mix until everything is coated evenly with the sauce. Add more pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.

6. Serve: Plate immediately and enjoy while warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetable noodles like zucchini or sweet potato.

• Avocado pesto: Stir in a tablespoon of pesto to turn this into avocado pesto pasta.

• Add protein: Top with grilled chicken, baked tofu, poached shrimp, or chickpeas.

• Cheesy twist: Crumble feta or sprinkle parmesan if you’re not avoiding dairy.

• Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a kick.

• Extra veggies: Toss in spinach, arugula, or roasted bell peppers for more nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

This dish is best enjoyed fresh due to the avocado’s tendency to brown. However, if you have leftovers:

• Storage: Place in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or lemon juice to refresh the sauce. Stir continuously until just warmed through. Do not microwave for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make avocado pasta ahead of time?

It’s best served immediately, but you can prep the ingredients ahead. Mash the avocado just before serving to maintain its color and freshness.

What type of pasta works best?

Spaghetti, linguine, penne, or even chickpea or lentil-based pastas work well. Use what you love or have on hand.

How do I know if my avocado is ripe?

A ripe avocado will yield slightly to gentle pressure and feel soft but not mushy. Avoid avocados with dark spots or overly soft areas.

Can I make this without garlic?

Yes. You can skip the garlic or substitute with a pinch of garlic powder for a milder flavor.

Is it okay to use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

The lemon juice in the sauce helps slow browning. Still, it’s best to eat the dish fresh to maintain its vibrant green color.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Absolutely. Lime juice adds a slightly different but equally delicious citrusy brightness.

What’s the best way to mash the avocado?

Use a fork or potato masher. For an ultra-smooth sauce, you can use a food processor, but it’s not necessary.

Can I serve this cold?

Yes. This pasta also works as a chilled dish, making it a great option for packed lunches or summer meals.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Definitely. The creamy texture and mild flavors make it appealing to kids, and you can leave out the garlic if needed.

Conclusion

This Quick and Easy Avocado Pasta is a flavorful, fast, and nourishing dish perfect for any time of year. Whether you’re trying to use up ripe avocados or just want a lighter, plant-based alternative to creamy pasta sauces, this recipe delivers comfort without compromise. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation.