Meatless Monday–15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta

It’s funny to me how busy times seem to wax and wane.  Some days, I feel like a complete success–I accomplish everything I set out to, I don’t feel rushed, and I even have the time to find the joy in the many tasks of the day.  (Wouldn’t we all like more of those days?)  But most of time, I feel more like I’m on the go from the time my feet hit the floor.  When I finally get to bed on those days, I lay down and think to myself, “What just happened?”  

On those days, I am so thankful for recipes like this.  Low-maintenance, easily adaptable, delicious, and healthy.  With your favorite pasta, 15 minutes, and a handful of basic ingredients, this comforting meal can be yours.  Thank goodness.

easy avocado pasta


15 Minute Creamy Avocado Pasta

slightly adapted from Oh She Glows

Ingredients:

6 oz. dried pasta of your choice 

1-3 garlic cloves, to taste

juice and zest of 1/2 a lemon

1/2 tsp. kosher salt, or to taste

1 medium-sized ripe avocado

1/4 c. basil

1/4 c. freshly-grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan recipe)

2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

freshly ground black pepper, to taste 

Directions:

1. Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil.  Add pasta and cook according to package directions.

2. Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the garlic cloves, lemon juice, and olive oil into a food processor. Process until smooth.  Add in avocado, basil, cheese, and salt. Process until smooth and creamy. 

3. When pasta is done cooking, drain and rinse in a strainer and place pasta into a large bowl. Pour on sauce and toss until fully combined. Garnish with lemon zest and black pepper.  Serves 2.  **Note: because of the avocado, this pasta does not reheat very well.  It can be eaten as leftovers, but is much better when served immediately.

two years ago: sugar and spice cupcakes 

three years ago: A delicious recipe with what may be one of the worst pictures on my blog, warm couscous salad.

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7 Comments

  1. elly
    September 19, 2011 / 1:16 pm

    I've been wanting to try an avocado pasta dish, and this looks great. Love the basil in it.

  2. Anonymous
    September 19, 2011 / 1:31 pm

    I love this recipe. Especially when I first heard about it on http://www.ohsheglows.comMaybe next time you should try crediting your sources since your recipe is exactly like hers.Plagiarism is really frowned upon.

  3. Pretend Chef
    September 19, 2011 / 2:12 pm

    I would love to try this pasta dish. It looks fantastic. The addition of basil sounds like another layer of amazing flavor.

  4. Kelsey
    September 19, 2011 / 4:48 pm

    Anonymous, I find your comment quite rude. If you look right under the title of the recipe, I state that the recipe is slightly adapted from Oh She Glows. I even linked right to Angela's site. I would've loved to e-mailed this response to you, but you didn't even leave a way for me to contact you privately.

  5. That Girl
    September 19, 2011 / 7:09 pm

    I have so many of those busy days lately!

  6. Jackie
    September 19, 2011 / 11:18 pm

    Hey Anonymous, Ignorant and arrogant is a bad combo. SHE DID credit Oh She Glows. Next time read a post all the way through before you post snarky comments that make you look like an idiot. That comment seems to say a LOT about your character. Thank you Kelsey for this adaptation, it looks beautiful.

  7. All Things Yummy
    September 20, 2011 / 4:53 am

    Looks delicious and perfect for one of the those crazy days.

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