Description
This Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta is a fresh and healthy take on traditional pasta dishes. By combining the creaminess of avocado with the nutritional benefits of spinach and cilantro, this recipe offers a smooth, luscious sauce that pairs perfectly with your favorite pasta. The addition of garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil enhances the flavor, while fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, and red onions give the dish vibrant color and texture. This pasta is not only rich in flavor but also packed with nutrients, making it a great option for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For Cooking Pasta:
- Pasta of your choice – 5 oz (140g)
- Water – 1.5 liters
- Salt – 1 tbsp
- Oil – 3 tsp
For Making Avocado Spinach Mixture:
- Avocado – 1 medium, peeled and pitted
- Garlic – 2 cloves
- Spinach – 1/4 cup, fresh
- Cilantro – 1/4 cup, fresh
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Salt and pepper – To taste
Other Ingredients:
- Extra virgin olive oil – 1 tbsp
- Garlic – 1 tsp, chopped
- Red onions – 1/4 cup, thinly sliced
- Sweet corn – 1/4 cup, canned or cooked
- Cherry tomatoes – 1/2 cup, halved
- Salt and pepper – To taste
- Italian seasoning – 1/2 tsp
Toppings:
- Chili flakes – To taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon of salt and 3 teaspoons of oil. The oil prevents the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook the Pasta: Add 5 oz (140g) of your favorite pasta to the boiling water. Stir occasionally and cook according to the package instructions (typically 8-10 minutes), until the pasta is al dente.
- Drain the Pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Optionally, you can toss it with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Spinach Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine 1 medium avocado, 2 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of fresh spinach, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides to ensure everything is fully combined. If the mixture is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to help it blend better.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
- Sauté the Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon of chopped garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add 1/4 cup of sliced red onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. Then, add 1/4 cup of sweet corn and 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Season the Vegetables: Season with salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain their color and texture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the Pasta to the Vegetables: Once the vegetables are cooked, add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is coated in the vegetable mixture.
- Add the Avocado Spinach Sauce: Pour the avocado spinach mixture over the pasta and gently toss to combine, making sure all the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Pasta: Transfer the creamy avocado spinach pasta to serving plates.
- Garnish: Sprinkle chili flakes on top for an added kick of spice. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese if you prefer.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 25mins