Description

This Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe offers a quick and healthy meal option, combining al dente penne pasta with a rich, smooth avocado and spinach sauce. The sauce is made by blending ripe avocado, garlic, lemon juice, and baby spinach for a nutrient-packed, creamy texture without any cream or dairy. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is customizable and can be prepared using stovetop or Instant Pot methods, making it versatile and convenient.

Ingredients

Pasta

8 oz penne pasta (about 2-2.5 cups, preferably semolina pasta)
2 cups water (for stovetop method)
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 to taste
Crushed black pepper to taste
1/4 cup water (or as needed for sauce consistency)
Red chili flakes (for garnish)
Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)

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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 and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente or your preferred texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta when done and set aside.
Cook Pasta (Instant Pot Method): Add dry penne pasta, water, and salt to the Instant Pot, ensuring most pasta is submerged. Close the lid with the pressure valve set to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes for al dente (5 minutes for softer pasta). When cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then manually quick release remaining pressure. Drain any excess water.
Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, combine the ripe avocado, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic cloves, baby spinach, salt, crushed black pepper, and 1/4 cup water. Blend until smooth, adding more water as needed to achieve a creamy, sauce-like consistency. Optionally, add parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor.
Assemble Pasta: Pour the avocado sauce over the cooked pasta in the Instant Pot insert or a mixing bowl. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
Serve: Sprinkle red chili flakes and additional parmesan cheese on top if desired. Serve immediately for best freshness, ideally within 2-3 hours to prevent avocado browning. Enjoy your creamy avocado pasta!

Notes

Use ripe avocado for the creamiest sauce and best flavor.
You can swap baby spinach with fresh basil for a different flavor profile.
The sauce can be adjusted in thickness by adding more or less water as needed.
Optional ingredients like olive oil and parmesan cheese add richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
This recipe is best served fresh as avocado tends to brown when exposed to air.
Instant Pot cooking time is adjusted to half minus one minute from stovetop time for pasta to ensure al dente texture.