Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

The Secret Behind This Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

This creamy avocado pesto pasta is the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a splurge but is secretly full of healthy ingredients. The avocado gives the pesto a rich, silky texture without any heavy cream, and the spinach boosts the color and nutrition. Blistered tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity that balances the creamy sauce perfectly. My kids gobble it up without ever guessing there’s avocado and spinach hiding in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Avocado Pesto Pasta

• Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy pasta dish is ideal for busy evenings.
• The avocado creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without any dairy.
• Blistered tomatoes provide a sweet, tangy pop that cuts through the richness.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta

• Avocado: Pick a ripe avocado that yields slightly to gentle pressure. It provides the creamy base without dairy. If your avocado is underripe, the pesto won’t be as smooth.
• Fresh basil: Use fresh basil leaves for the best flavor; dried basil won’t give the same vibrant taste. If you have extra, you can freeze it for later.
• Parmesan cheese: For a vegan version, replace with nutritional yeast. Use finely grated parmesan so it blends easily.

Essential Tools for Making Avocado Pesto Pasta

• Food processor or blender to make the pesto smooth and creamy.
• Large skillet to blister the tomatoes evenly.
• Large pot for boiling pasta.

Tips for Perfect Avocado Pesto Pasta Every Time

To get the smoothest pesto, blend the basil, spinach, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan, and olive oil until completely smooth; stop and scrape down the sides if needed. The lemon juice not only adds brightness but also helps keep the avocado from turning brown. When cooking the tomatoes, give them space in the skillet so they blister instead of steam. And don’t forget to reserve at least half a cup of pasta water, the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles and adjusts the consistency if the pesto is too thick.

Expert Tips for the Best Avocado Pesto Pasta

Use a ripe avocado that gives slightly when pressed, it should be soft but not mushy. Overripe avocados can make the pesto gray and less vibrant. Also, salt your pasta water generously: it should taste like the sea. This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, and it makes a big difference in the final dish.

Easy Variations for Avocado Pesto Pasta

This avocado pesto pasta is easy to adapt. For a vegan version, swap the Parmesan with nutritional yeast. If you want more protein, top it with grilled chicken or shrimp. Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free. And for a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the pesto itself.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Avocado Pesto Pasta

Serve this creamy avocado pesto pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal fresh. A side of crusty garlic bread is great for soaking up any extra pesto. If you want more vegetables, try roasted asparagus or steamed green beans.

How to Store Leftover Avocado Pesto Pasta

Store leftover avocado pesto pasta in an airtight container, pressing a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to reduce browning. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The color may darken slightly, but the taste will still be good.

Can You Freeze Avocado Pesto Pasta?

Freezing the full dish is not recommended because the avocado can become watery and lose its creamy texture. However, you can make a double batch of the pesto and freeze it in ice cube trays. Once frozen, pop out the cubes and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and use as needed.

How to Reheat Avocado Pesto Pasta

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or pasta water. Stir until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, but cover with a damp paper towel to add moisture. Avoid high heat as it can make the avocado sauce separate.

Avocado Pesto Pasta FAQs

Equipment

• food processor
• large pot
• large skillet
• knife
• cutting board

Recipe

Creamy Avocado Pesto Pasta with Blistered Tomatoes

Print recipe Pin recipe

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

30 min

Servings

6 servings

Cuisine

Italian

Course

Dinner

Ingredients

• 1 cup basil leaves (packed)
• 1 cup spinach leaves (packed)
• 0.5 large avocado
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (fresh)
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 12 oz pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 pt cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic (roughly chopped)
• kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• crushed red pepper flakes (for garnish, optional)
• basil leaves (for garnish, optional)
• parmesan cheese (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. First, make the creamy avocado pesto. In a food processor, add the basil, spinach, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Set aside.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl.
3. While the pasta is cooking, cook the tomatoes. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the tomatoes and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the tomatoes blister and start to pop, about 5 minutes. Discard the garlic.
4. Add the creamy pesto to the large bowl of pasta. Stir, adding the reserved pasta water as necessary. Stir until the pasta is well coated in pesto. Top with blistered tomatoes. Garnish with crushed red pepper flakes, basil and parmesan cheese, if using. Serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories

337 kcal17% DV

Protein

10 g20% DV

Fat

12 g15% DV

Carbs

48 g17% DV

Fiber

4 g14% DV

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

77 mg3% DV

% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA). Values are estimates — see our nutrition data sources.

complete the meal

Pairs Well With

DinnerSlow Cooker Minestrone Soup