Vegan Avocado Pasta Sauce
Vegan Avocado Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious alternative to traditional pasta sauces. Made from ripe avocados, garlic, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, this sauce is not only rich in healthy fats but also bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a versatile option for a variety of dietary needs. Whether you're new to plant-based eating or a seasoned vegan, this avocado pasta sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Cutting Board.
- Chef’s Knife
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Spatula
- Large Pot
- Colander
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados peeled and pitted
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves or a mix of basil and parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
- ¼ cup water adjust for desired consistency
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 oz about 340g pasta of choice (spaghetti, fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta)
- Salt for pasta water
Garnish (Optional)
- Cherry tomatoes halved
- Fresh basil or parsley leaves
- Lemon zest
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. The water should be salty like the sea, which helps to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook Pasta: Add your pasta of choice to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This typically takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water. This starchy water can be used later to thin out the sauce if needed.
- Drain the Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Avocado Sauce
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water (or reserved pasta water) to reach your desired consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. The sauce should be rich, creamy, and slightly tangy from the lemon.
- Optional Add-Ins: If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a handful of spinach or kale to the blender for a nutrient boost. You can also add a spoonful of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Mix the Sauce with Pasta: In the pot where you cooked the pasta, combine the drained pasta with the avocado sauce. Use a spatula or tongs to toss the pasta and sauce together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Heat Gently (Optional): If the sauce has cooled down too much, you can gently heat the pasta and sauce over low heat for a minute or two. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the avocado to lose its vibrant color.
Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Pasta: Divide the avocado pasta among serving plates. The vibrant green sauce makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Garnish: Top with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil or parsley leaves, lemon zest, and toasted pine nuts for added texture and flavor. These garnishes not only add a pop of color but also enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Serve Immediately: Vegan Avocado Pasta Sauce is best served fresh. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with a simple salad or grilled vegetables.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Vegan Avocado Pasta Sauce
- Use Ripe Avocados: For the creamiest sauce, make sure your avocados are ripe. They should give slightly when pressed but not be overly soft.
- Don’t Overheat: Avocado sauce is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. Overheating can cause the sauce to lose its bright green color and creamy texture.
- Customize the Flavor: This sauce is highly versatile. You can customize it by adding ingredients like nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, or swap out the basil for cilantro for a different taste.
- Serve Immediately: This sauce is best enjoyed fresh. Avocado can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air, so serve the dish as soon as it’s ready.
- Add Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding a source of plant-based protein like chickpeas, tofu, or tempeh to the pasta.