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Lunch Dinner One Pot 30 Minutes or Less Vegetarian Pasta
4.7 from 231 votes

Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

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By: Joanna Cismaru •9/11/23 213 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Here’s a timeless favorite on my blog that never fails to impress: Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta, a symphony of fresh flavors that’s not just delicious but nutritious too. Best of all, this crowd-pleaser is ready in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect quick yet elegant meal for any occasion!

Table of Contents

  • Easy Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta Recipe
  • Pro Tip
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How To Make Creamy Avocado Pasta
    • Cook The Pasta
    • Blend The Sauce
    • Toss It All Together
  • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
    • Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?
    • What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?
    • Can I add protein to this dish?
  • Expert Tips
  • Storage
  • Discover More Pasta Recipes
  • Recipe: Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta
    • Video
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions 
    • Equipment
    • Notes
    • Nutrition Information
  • Did You Make This?
a white bowl with a serving of creamy avocado spinach pasta garnished with parmesan.

Easy Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta Recipe

You won’t believe how effortlessly this creamy avocado spinach pasta comes together. With the rich, buttery texture of avocado, the freshness of spinach, and the nutty crunch of pecans, every bite is a culinary delight. The hint of lemon and sprinkle of Parmesan add that perfect zest that elevates this dish to restaurant-quality, right in your own kitchen.

Think creamy pasta dishes are reserved for cheat days? Think again! This dish brings you all the indulgence without the guilt. The avocado provides healthy fats, and the fresh ingredients make it a well-rounded meal. Whether you’re serving it for a special dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this pasta will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

a white bowl with freshly made creamy avocado spinach pasta with a pair of tongs and garnished with parmesan.

Pro Tip

For the best flavor and texture, use a ripe avocado and freshly squeezed lemon juice in your sauce. Blend the sauce until completely smooth, adjusting the pasta water as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

Ingredients You’ll Need

ingredients needed to make creamy avocado spinach pasta.
  • Spaghetti or fettuccine: You can use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
  • Garlic: Adds a kick of flavor; garlic powder can be used if fresh isn’t available.
  • Avocado: Creates a creamy texture; no real substitute as it’s the star of the sauce.
  • Spinach: Adds color and nutrients; you can swap it with kale or other leafy greens.
  • Pecans: Provide crunch and richness; walnuts or almonds are good alternatives.
  • Basil: Brings freshness to the dish; try parsley if you want a milder flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds savory depth; nutritional yeast can be a vegan substitute.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors; lime juice could be used for a different twist.
  • Pasta water: Helps create the desired consistency for the sauce; adjust as needed.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.

How To Make Creamy Avocado Pasta

Let’s whip up this creamy avocado spinach pasta! Trust me, it’s as easy as it is delicious. Here’s how we’ll do it:

Cook The Pasta

process shots showing how to make avocado spinach pasta.

You’ve cooked pasta before, right? Just follow the instructions on the package. Any type of spaghetti or fettuccine works well. I’m using semolina pasta this time, but feel free to choose your favorite.

Blend The Sauce

process shots showing how to make avocado spinach pasta.

Next, grab your blender and toss in the garlic, avocado, spinach, pecans, basil, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Start with ¾ cup of the pasta water we reserved from cooking, and blend it all up. You can add more water if needed to get the consistency you like.

Toss It All Together

process shots showing how to make avocado spinach pasta.

Finally, combine the pasta and sauce in a bowl, tossing until everything’s well-coated. Serve it right away, since the avocado will start to change color if you let it sit too long. That’s it! We’ve got a bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta ready to enjoy in under 30 minutes.

a white bowl with a serving of creamy avocado spinach pasta garnished with parmesan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Absolutely! You can substitute walnuts or pine nuts for the pecans, or even leave the nuts out entirely if you have an allergy concern.

Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?

It’s best to make the avocado sauce right before serving, as the avocado may turn a brownish color if it sits too long. If you need to make it a little ahead, adding a touch more lemon juice might help prevent discoloration.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Feel free to use your favorite type of spaghetti or fettuccine. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta would work just as well if you have dietary preferences or restrictions.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Certainly! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even tofu would make a great addition to this dish, providing extra protein and making it a more filling meal.

a white bowl with freshly made creamy avocado spinach pasta with a pair of tongs and garnished with parmesan.

Expert Tips

  1. Use Ripe Avocados: Make sure to choose a ripe avocado for the sauce. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure, ensuring a creamy and smooth texture.
  2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and won’t hold up well with the creamy sauce.
  3. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Start with the lower amount of pasta water and gradually add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency for your sauce. It allows you to control the texture to your liking.
  4. Serve Immediately: The avocado sauce is best when fresh, so make sure to toss the pasta with the sauce and serve immediately to enjoy the bright flavors and rich color.
  5. Customize with Herbs: Feel free to add or substitute other fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to give the sauce a unique twist. Experimenting with fresh herbs can create new flavor profiles to match your taste preferences.

Storage

Since the sauce contains fresh avocado, it’s best to enjoy the dish the day it’s made. If you do have leftovers, storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoying them the next day is your best bet, but be mindful that the sauce may change in color.

a white bowl with a serving of creamy avocado spinach pasta garnished with parmesan.

Discover More Pasta Recipes

  • Pesto Shrimp Asparagus Pasta
  • Pasta Alla Vodka
  • Chicken Pesto Caprese Pasta
  • Spinach Artichoke Pasta
  • Creamy Tomato Chicken Pasta
  • Cajun Chicken Pasta
  • Creamy Ravioli

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

a white bowl with a serving of creamy avocado spinach pasta garnished with parmesan.
4.65 from 231 votes

Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

Prep 10 minutes minutes
Cook 12 minutes minutes
Total 22 minutes minutes
4
Rate Recipe Print Recipe
Savor the fusion of creamy avocado, fresh spinach, and nutty pecans in this quick pasta dish. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a flavorful escape perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients

  • 10 ounces spaghetti (dry, or fettuccine, I used semolina pasta)
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • ½ cup pecans
  • ¼ cup fresh basil
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • ¾ to 1 cup pasta water
  • ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
    cooking spaghetti.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients to your blender and blend until it turns into a smooth sauce. Start with ¾ cup of pasta water and add more as needed to get the consistency you want.
    process shots showing how to make avocado spinach pasta.
  • Toss the pasta with the sauce in a bowl and serve immediately. This sauce is best served the day it is made, as it uses avocados which will turn a brownish color.
    process shots showing how to make avocado spinach pasta.

Equipment

  • Ninja 72 oz Countertop Blender

Notes

  1. Pasta Type: You can use spaghetti or fettuccine; semolina pasta is recommended but feel free to experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free options.
  2. Avocado Sauce: Serve this sauce the day it’s made, as avocados may turn brownish if stored.
  3. Pecan Substitution: If pecans aren’t your favorite, try walnuts or pine nuts for a different twist.
  4. Adjusting Consistency: Start with ¾ cup of pasta water for the sauce and add more as needed to reach your desired texture.
  5. Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness, but a splash of white wine vinegar can be a good substitute if you’re in a pinch.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 458kcal (23%)Carbohydrates: 60g (20%)Protein: 14g (28%)Fat: 19g (29%)Saturated Fat: 3g (19%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 4mg (1%)Sodium: 407mg (18%)Potassium: 515mg (15%)Fiber: 7g (29%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 913IU (18%)Vitamin C: 9mg (11%)Calcium: 118mg (12%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
© Author Joanna Cismaru

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.

a white bowl with a serving of creamy avocado spinach pasta garnished with parmesan.

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Joanna Cismaru

Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Through Jo Cooks, I invite you to join me in my kitchen as we explore delicious recipes from around the globe, celebrate the joy of cooking, and make every meal a memorable one. Happy cooking!

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213 Comments
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Deb Hunter
Deb Hunter
Posted: 2 months ago

5 stars
This recipe is definitely 5-star. It has become my absolute favorite pasta sauce. And despite the avocado in it, it doesn’t turn muddy color – I think the multitude of other greens and lemon juice keep it looking lively.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Deb Hunter
Posted: 2 months ago

I’m so thrilled to hear this recipe has become your favorite pasta sauce! You’re absolutely right—the combination of greens and a splash of lemon juice helps keep that vibrant color. It’s like a little kitchen magic, isn’t it? 😊 Thanks for the 5-star rating!

0
Reply
Fresh bright and easy
Fresh bright and easy
Posted: 3 months ago

5 stars
I made this exactly as stated but omitted the nuts. It was quick and easy. We had enough sauce left over to use on grilled salmon as roasted vegetables the next night. We loved it and I shared it with several friends. So so good!

0
Reply
Michele
Michele
Posted: 5 months ago

5 stars
Made this recipe this evening. Great recipe, thank you of the inspiration & quick solution for a weeknight dinner.

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Michele
Posted: 5 months ago

My pleasure, so glad you liked it!

0
Reply
Deb
Deb
Posted: 7 months ago

5 stars
This has become one of my absolute favorite pasta sauces. I follow the recipe exactly, and have found it saves pretty well for a couple of days, as long as I put a film of plastic wrap over it to seal it. If it looks a little dingier on the surface, it doesn’t affect the flavor.

0
Reply
Melissa
Melissa
Posted: 7 months ago

5 stars
I’ve made this now for two years , I will continue to cause we absolutely love it .. thanks for sharing

0
Reply
Eileen M Lanza
Eileen M Lanza
Posted: 11 months ago

5 stars
I don’t have a photo because there is nothing left. This was easy and delicious and there are very few recipes that my whole family likes.

1
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Eileen M Lanza
Posted: 11 months ago

So glad you liked it!

0
Reply
Helen
Helen
Posted: 1 year ago

This has become one of my go to recipes. It is delicious. I add some halved pecorino tomatoes and a little feta and its magic. I love that it is so low in cholesterol and has lots of fibre.

2
Reply
Christy
Christy
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
Fast and easy lunch. No Parmesan, garlic or basil on hand. Skipped Parm, Used 1/4t garlic powder. Sprinklied dried basil on top with CRP.

0
Reply
caylah
caylah
Posted: 1 year ago

5 stars
should I use toasted, roasted or not cooked pecans ?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  caylah
Posted: 1 year ago

The ones I used are the Costco pecans which I believe are row but toasted pecans would be nice in this recipe.

0
Reply
Saina Kumar
Saina Kumar
Posted: 2 years ago

can we skip the pecans

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Saina Kumar
Posted: 2 years ago

You can, but since this is a sort of pesto, I would replace them with something else, like pine nuts.

0
Reply
Bel
Bel
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
So easy to make and absolutely delicious! Made a few times, personally like to add a little extra garlic, parm & lemon juice, but it’s so tasty either way, thanks! 🙂

1
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  Bel
Posted: 2 years ago

That’s wonderful! We’re so glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
JoAnne (Jo) Atwood
JoAnne (Jo) Atwood
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
Delicious! This is going in the rotation. I had to use pistachios because I didn’t have pecans. Thanks!

0
Reply
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Jo Cooks Team AMJ
Reply to  JoAnne (Jo) Atwood
Posted: 2 years ago

So glad you enjoyed it!

0
Reply
bob
bob
Posted: 2 years ago

5 stars
I enjoyed the recipe. Made a few Italian changes… Used pine nuts instead of pecans. And of course more garlic. Very nice and simple to make. Used food processor. Served with Bucatini. Mangia.

0
Reply
Fiona
Fiona
Posted: 3 years ago

The recipe looks delicious, definitely making this! Is it fresh basil or dried basil? If it’s fresh basil, do you have any suggested alternatives?

0
Reply
Joanna Cismaru
Joanna Cismaru
Author
Reply to  Fiona
Posted: 3 years ago

That’s fresh basil. You could use dry basil, about 1 tbsp.

0
Reply
Debh
Debh
Posted: 3 years ago

5 stars
This is the definition of comfort food, except it’s healthy.

0
Reply

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I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is the place where I share my passion for easy and delicious recipes. From comforting classics to global flavors, I believe that cooking should be fun, approachable, and most importantly, rewarding. Join me on this culinary journey and let’s get cooking!

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