Creamy Avocado and Basil Pesto Pasta

Name: Creamy Avocado and Basil Pesto Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 250 g spaghetti, linguine or another long pasta; 1 teaspoon salt; 100 ml reserved pasta water; 1 large ripe avocado; 2 garlic cloves; 30 g fresh basil leaves; 50 g finely grated Parmesan cheese; 60 ml olive oil; Juice of ½ lemon; 100 ml heavy cream or cooking cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Additional grated Parmesan; Fresh basil leaves; Freshly ground black pepper

Creamy Avocado and Basil Pesto Pasta is an easy and satisfying meal made with ripe avocado, fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil. The avocado creates a naturally smooth texture, while lemon juice adds freshness and helps balance the rich cream and cheese. Ready in approximately 25 minutes, this vibrant green pasta is perfect for quick lunches and weeknight dinners.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3 servings

Ingredients

For the pasta:

For the avocado basil pesto:

For serving:

Method

1. Cook the Pasta

Step 1

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season it with salt. Cook the pasta for approximately 1 minute less than the package instructions, leaving it slightly firm.

2. Reserve the Pasta Water

Step 2

Before draining, reserve approximately 100 ml of the starchy cooking water. Drain the pasta without rinsing it.

3. Prepare the Avocado

Step 3

Cut the avocado in half and remove the stone. Scoop the flesh from the skin and place it in a blender.

4. Add the Garlic

Step 4

Peel the garlic cloves and add them to the avocado. Cut particularly large cloves in half so they blend more evenly.

5. Add the Basil and Parmesan

Step 5

Place the fresh basil leaves and finely grated Parmesan in the blender.

6. Add the Liquid Ingredients

Step 6

Pour in the olive oil, lemon juice and cream. Add the salt and black pepper.

7. Blend the Pesto

Step 7

Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape down the sides of the blender when necessary, then blend again.

8. Transfer the Sauce to the Pan

Step 8

Pour the avocado basil pesto into a large frying pan. Place the pan over low heat.

9. Add the Pasta Water

Step 9

Pour in half of the reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and fluid, adding more pasta water gradually when required.

10. Add the Pasta

Step 10

Transfer the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss gently with kitchen tongs until every strand is evenly coated in the avocado pesto sauce.

11. Adjust the Consistency

Step 11

When the sauce appears too thick, add a few more tablespoons of pasta water. The sauce should cling to the pasta without becoming dry or resembling a thick purée.

12. Serve Immediately

Step 12

Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Finish with grated Parmesan, freshly ground black pepper and fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately.