Save This dish combines al dente spaghetti with a creamy sauce made from ripe avocados, fresh spinach, garlic, and lemon juice, blended to smooth perfection. Parmesan and Greek yogurt add richness while black pepper and lemon zest provide a bright, mildly spicy finish. Simple to prepare and ready in under 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a hearty, wholesome meal full of fresh, vibrant flavors.
The sauce is smoothly blended and adjusted with reserved pasta water for ideal texture. Garnishes like fresh basil, extra parmesan, and red pepper flakes enhance the final presentation. Dietary swaps can be made easily for vegan or gluten-free preferences.
The first time I made this sauce, I was convinced it wouldnt work. My kitchen looked like a crime scene of green splatter, but one taste of that silky, bright mixture and I understood why people swear by avocado pasta. Now its my go-to when I want something that feels luxurious but takes barely any effort.
I made this for my sister who claimed she hated avocado in anything savory. She scraped her bowl clean and asked for seconds, then admitted she might have been wrong all these years. The brightness of the lemon and the fresh spinach cut through the richness perfectly.
Ingredients
- Spaghetti or linguine: Choose a long pasta that will hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully
- Ripe avocados: They should yield slightly to gentle pressure, no rock-hard fruit allowed
- Fresh baby spinach: Adds color and nutrients without overpowering the delicate avocado flavor
- Garlic clove: One small clove is plenty since the sauce stays raw
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use the good stuff here since the flavor shines through
- Fresh lemon juice: Essential for brightening up the rich avocado
- Grated Parmesan: Adds that salty umami depth that ties everything together
- Greek yogurt: A secret ingredient that makes the sauce extra creamy and tangy
- Freshly ground black pepper and salt: Season generously, the sauce needs it
- Lemon zest: Dont skip this, it adds aromatic brightness that juice alone cant provide
Instructions
- Get your pasta going:
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente, reserving some pasta water before draining
- Blend up the magic sauce:
- Combine avocados, spinach, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, yogurt, pepper, salt, and lemon zest in a food processor until smooth
- Bring it all together:
- Pour the sauce over your drained pasta and toss well, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until perfectly coated
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or red pepper flakes if you like
Save This recipe has saved me on countless busy weeknights when I wanted something comforting but still felt virtuous eating. Theres something satisfying about serving such a vibrant green dish that tastes as good as it looks.
Making It Ahead
The sauce oxidizes quickly, so blend it just before serving for the brightest color. You can prep all your ingredients beforehand, measuring everything into separate containers so the actual cooking takes minutes.
Pasta Water Magic
Never skip reserving that pasta water. The starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to every strand of pasta and creates that restaurant-quality texture that makes the dish feel special. Start with a splash and add more as needed.
Customization Ideas
While this recipe is perfect as written, there are so many ways to make it your own depending on what you have on hand or what youre craving.
- Swap in fresh basil or cilantro for the spinach if you prefer a different herb flavor
- Add roasted cherry tomatoes or blistered cherry tomatoes for a pop of sweetness and color
- Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed shrimp for extra protein if you want something heartier
Save Simple enough for Tuesday dinner but special enough for company, this pasta proves that fresh ingredients dont need complicated techniques to shine.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I make the sauce creamy without cream?
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The smooth texture comes from blending ripe avocados with Greek yogurt and Parmesan, combined with olive oil and lemon juice to achieve a silky consistency.
- → Can I prepare this with gluten-free pasta?
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Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used without affecting the sauce or flavor profile.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for a dairy-free option?
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Plant-based yogurt alternatives work well to maintain creaminess while keeping the dish dairy-free.
- → How do I ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?
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Reserve some pasta cooking water to gradually loosen the sauce after mixing it with pasta, ensuring smooth, even coating.
- → What herbs or spices complement the avocado-spinach sauce?
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Fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes, and lemon zest enhance the freshness and add a mild kick to the dish.
