This Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe is super easy, healthy, delicious, and packed with hidden spinach, a sneaky way to get kids to eat their leafy greens. Then, add more fresh veggies to make it a healthy avocado pasta salad. Dairy-free, Nut-free, Vegan friendly!
My daughter loves avocado right from the age of 6 months. Now she is 5+. I usually give her avocado in the form of avocado paratha, avocado toast, avocado golgappa, Pasta with avocado, or just with some salt and pepper.
This recipe couldn't get easier. If you are craving a healthy and easy pasta meal for your family, this pasta dish can be made instantly. While the Pasta is cooking in the Instant Pot, prepare the creamy avocado sauce and quickly mix it. It's creamy, fresh, and so satisfying!
If you count on calories or Low Carb/Keto diet, then use this avocado pesto sauce with zucchini to make a zoodle avocado pasta.
So, next time, do give this pasta recipe a try for your weeknight lunch or dinner, and I am sure your kids will cherish every bite of this delicious Pasta.
Avocado Pasta Ingredients
- Pasta: I have used semolina penne pasta. But feel free to use any kind of pasta like chickpea pasta, quinoa pasta or any gluten-free pasta.
- Avocado: Use good quality, fresh ripe avocado to make the pasta sauce creamy and have great flavor. I have used 1 Hass Avocado.
- Garlic: Garlic adds a great flavor to the dish so don't skip it.
- Spinach: I have used baby spinach in this avocado pesto sauce, but you can also fresh herbs like fresh basil, or cilantro for a variation.
- Green chili: I have used Thai green chili. This is added to increase the heat to the dish, you can also skip it.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice is added for tanginess and prevent browning of avocado sauce so don't miss it. You may also use lime juice instead of lemon.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin oil for the best flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Are added as a seasoning.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta
Cooking Pasta
Stovetop Pot Method
- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the salt.
- Add the pasta to the water, stir a few times to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) stirring occasionally, until al dente or softer according to the desired texture.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain excess water and keep it aside.
Instant Pot Method
- Add dry pasta, water, salt to the Instant Pot. Most of the pasta should be covered in the water. If it is not, add some more water.
- Furthermore, close the lid on the pot. Pressure Cook (high pressure) for 4 minutes. Note: I am using penne pasta in this recipe which has 10 minutes for cooking on the stovetop. So to cook on Instant Pot – Divide the cooking time by half and minus one for al dente pasta. So it's 4 minutes. For softer pasta do 5 minutes.
- When the instant pot beeps, wait for 5 minutes and Quick Release the remaining pressure manually. Then open the lid, drain if there is any extra water.
Prepare Avocado Sauce for Pasta
- Put the avocado, lemon juice, oil, garlic, spinach, green chili, salt, pepper, water into a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Start with ¼ cup of water and then add more as needed to get the desired consistency.
- Avocado spinach pasta sauce is ready. **Note: You can also add some parmesan cheese if desired.
Assemble
- Add the avocado pasta sauce to the instant pot insert, and then toss until evenly coated. This avocado pesto pasta is best served within 2-3 hours it is made, as it uses avocados which will turn a brownish color.
Avocado Pasta is ready.
Lastly, sprinkle some red chili flakes, grated parmesan cheese, if desired, and serve Instant Pot Avocado Pesto Pasta warm or cold. Enjoy!
What to serve with Creamy Avocado Pasta?
You or your kid can enjoy a large bowl of avocado pesto pasta and call it a meal or enjoy a pasta salad with crusty bread.
I also sometimes like to serve salad and Pasta such as Chickpea Cucumber Salad to make the meal more filling.
Variations
- You can also add 2 tablespoons of greek yogurt while making sauce for extra protein.
- Parmesan cheese also can be added while making avocado cream sauce.
- To make it more healthy, try adding fresh vegetables such as boiled sweet corn, steamed broccoli, peas and cherry tomato to this dish.
- You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- Use any kind of your favorite pasta noodles like spaghetti, macaroni or rotini.
Try using whole wheat, lentils, or veggie pasta for kids to make it healthier.
Tips
- The avocado sauce should not be too thick else after mixing pasta they become dry when eaten later.
- Generally, the time to cook pasta in an Instant Pot is usually half of the suggested time on the pasta box and minus one for al dente pasta.
- Also, make sure you have enough water to cover most of the pasta underwater. Depending on the shape and size of pasta you may need more or fewer liquids. BURN ALERT? If your instant pot has shown BURN in the past, add ½ cup of extra water while making the pasta.
Recipe FAQs
I do not recommend storing the leftovers as this Pasta contains avocado; it will change color and turn brownish. Also, I was not too fond of the taste of leftover pasta.
How to make avocado pasta salad?
Follow the same steps as the avocado pasta recipe. Add some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, boiled sweet corn, boiled green peas, and avocado chunks. Mix well and serve the avocado pasta salad recipe immediately.
What can be used instead of spinach?
I have used baby spinach, but you can use other greens such as basil, kale, and parsley.
Is this avocado pesto sauce nut-free and vegan?
Traditional Pesto is made with walnuts or pine nuts. I did not use it in this recipe. Feel free to add some while making the sauce.
I did not use parmesan cheese, and this is optional. If you don't have any vegan restrictions, add the grated cheese while making the pesto sauce.
More Avocado Recipes
Also, explore more American recipes for your next family dinner inspiration.
If you liked this recipe, then check out more Pasta Recipes from my blog
- Creamy Tomato Pasta
- Mayonnaise Veggie Pasta
- Cold Pasta Salad
- Creamy Spinach Pasta
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Mac and Cheese (Instant Pot)
Creamy Avocado Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
Measuring cup used 1 cup = 250 ml
For Cooking Pasta:
- 8 oz penne pasta i used semolina pasta (about 2-2.5 cups) or any pasta
- 2 cups water
- salt to taste
For Avocado Sauce:
- 1 large avocado ripened
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 green chilli (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt adjust to taste
- red chilli flakes for garnish
Instructions
How to Cook Pasta:
- Stovetop Pot Method: In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Stir in the salt. Add the pasta to the water, stir a few times to prevent the pasta from sticking together.Cook the pasta according to the package instructions (about 10-12 minutes) stirring occasionally, until al dente or softer according to the desired texture. Once the pasta is cooked, drain excess water and keep it aside.
- Instant Pot Method: Add dry pasta, water, salt to the Instant Pot. Most of the pasta should be covered in the water. If it is not, add some more water.
- Close the lid on the pot, and turn pressure valve to SEALING position. Set the pot to MANUAL/PRESSURE COOK (High Pressure) and timer to 4 minutes.
- Using penne pasta in this recipe which has 10 minutes for cooking on stove top. So to cook on Instant Pot – Divide the cook time by half and minus one for al dente pasta. So its 4 minutes. For softer pasta do 5 minutes.
- When the instant pot beeps, wait for 5 minutes and Quick Release the remaining pressure manually. Then open the lid, drain if there is any extra water.
Prepare Avocado Sauce for Pasta:
- Put the avocado, lemon juice, oil, garlic, spinach, green chili, salt, pepper, water into a food processor and blend until smooth.Start with ¼ cup of water and then add more as needed to get the desired consistency.Avocado spinach pasta sauce is ready. **Note: You can also add some parmesan cheese if desired.
Assemble:
- Add the avocado pasta sauce to the instant pot insert, and then toss until evenly coated. This avocado pesto pasta is best served within 2-3 hours it is made, as it uses avocados which will turn a brownish color.
- Sprinkle over some chilli flakes and top with parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Variations:
- You can also add 2 tablespoons of greek yogurt while making sauce.
- Parmesan cheese also can be added while making avocado spinach sauce.
- To make it more healthy, try adding vegetables such as boiled sweet corn, steamed broccoli, and cherry tomato to this dish.
- You can use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
- Use any kind of pasta. Try using Whole wheat, Lentils, or Veggie pasta for kids to make it healthier.
Tips:
- Avocado sauce should not be too thick else after mixing pasta they become dry when eaten later.
- The time to cook pasta in instant pot is usually half of the suggested time on the pasta box and minus one for al dente pasta.
- Make sure you have enough water to cover most of the pasta under water.Depending on the shape and size of pasta you may need more or less liquids. BURN ALERT ? If your instant pot has shown BURN in the past, add ½ cup of extra water while making the pasta.
Anonymous says
My family loved it ,came out yummy!
bhavana says
Thank you!
Anonymous says
Nice Recipe
bhavana says
thank you
Chris says
My avocados were getting too ripe so I made with arugula and fresh linguini...what was on hand..and served with rosemary olive oil garlic bread...we lapped it all up at once, so delicious! Thank you for the recipe!
bhavana says
Glad to know you liked the recipe 🙂
Anonymous says
yummy wonderful recipe.
bhavana says
Thank you for sharing your feedback:)
Sushma bharadwaj says
Did not no what to cook with Avacado. In winter this is the best recipe to do with avacado. Yummy loved it😋 5 ⭐️
bhavana says
Thank you Sushma 🙂 I am glad you loved it, thanks for sharing your feedback 🙂
Debra Weber says
Love avocados. This sounds great. What kind of "green" chili are you using in this recipe?
Bhavana Patil says
I have used 1 thai chili.hope this helps.
Alexa says
This recipe was super good. You should definitely make it!! Some cherry tomatoes really spice it up, I used some 😋.
Bhavana Patil says
Yayyy!! Thanks a ton for the feedback Alexa 🙂 Happy to see your comment in Pinterest and here as well 🙂
Kaycee Perkins says
Can I leave the chili out trying to find dairy free options for toddler that loves pasta.thanks
Bhavana Patil says
Yes you can skip green chili.
Deepa says
The sauce is tasty, healthy and quick to make and so versatile! Cooking pasta in instapot…wow! Never done it until today, but will keep the instructions handy. I added sautéed mushrooms, onions and spinach in mine. The recipe is a keeper
Bhavana Patil says
Thank you so much, Deepa 🙂 I am really happy to hear that, do try other recipes from the blog and share your feedback 🙂 Have a great day.