Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, a vibrant green dish, perfectly coated and ready to eat. Save
Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, a vibrant green dish, perfectly coated and ready to eat. | cookingwithmila.com

This creamy avocado and spinach pasta combines ripe avocado and fresh baby spinach into a smooth, luscious sauce. Garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil blend beautifully to create a vibrant, nutritious dish that comes together quickly. Tossed with spaghetti or linguine and garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, this meal is perfect for a wholesome vegetarian option. Adding chili flakes offers a gentle heat, while reserved pasta water ensures a silky texture.

The first time I made this creamy avocado and spinach pasta, I was craving something fresh yet comforting. Discovering how these simple ingredients blend into a luscious sauce felt like a delightful secret unlocked in my kitchen.

I’ll never forget the day unexpected guests showed up, and this pasta saved the evening. With just pantry staples and fresh avocados, I pulled together a meal that left everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: I prefer spaghetti or linguine because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully
  • Avocados: Ripe and creamy are key—avoid any with brown spots
  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach adds a bright green color and subtle earthiness
  • Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives that gentle kick to balance the creaminess
  • Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth; use good quality for best results
  • Lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and keeps the avocado from browning
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Smooths out the texture and adds richness
  • Chili flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that warms the dish
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together
  • Fresh basil leaves: Garnish adds a fragrant floral note

Instructions

Get Everything Ready:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. The air fills with the salty scent while you prep the sauce ingredients.
Blend into Creamy Sauce:
Throw the avocados, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes, salt, and pepper into your blender. You’ll see a vibrant green, creamy mixture forming—a fresh aroma that hints at the flavor to come.
Cook the Pasta:
Cook your pasta until perfectly al dente, firm with a slight bite. Remember to reserve some pasta water—it’s a secret weapon for adjusting your sauce.
Bring It All Together:
Return drained pasta to the pot, then pour that luscious avocado sauce over it. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time until the sauce is silky and clings to every strand.
Serve and Garnish:
Dish it up immediately, topping with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. The steam rises carrying the fragrant blend that feels both indulgent and fresh.
Freshly made Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, with basil, offered as a satisfying vegetarian main course. Save
Freshly made Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, with basil, offered as a satisfying vegetarian main course. | cookingwithmila.com

This pasta quickly became more than just a dinner choice — it became a comfort meal for those busy nights when I needed something nourishing and quick, yet still special enough to share.

Keeping It Fresh

I’ve found that the sauce is best enjoyed immediately after mixing. If you do need to store leftovers, keep them refrigerated and stir in a little water or olive oil before reheating to bring back the creamy texture.

Serving Ideas That Clicked

Topping the pasta with toasted pine nuts or walnuts adds a lovely crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce, while a squeeze of extra lemon juice brightens each mouthful.

A Time This Recipe Saved the Day

Once, I had almost nothing in the fridge except a few avocados and spinach. This recipe turned those humble ingredients into a meal fit for company.

  • Remember to save some pasta water—it’s your best friend for sauce consistency
  • Don't skip fresh lemon juice; it keeps the sauce vibrant and green
  • And finally, never underestimate fresh basil for that finishing touch
A bowl of delicious Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, bursting with flavor, garnished for serving. Save
A bowl of delicious Creamy Avocado and Spinach Pasta, bursting with flavor, garnished for serving. | cookingwithmila.com

Thanks for hanging out in my kitchen—hope this recipe brings you as much joy and ease as it has for me.

Your Questions Answered

Blending ripe avocados, fresh spinach, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, and olive oil creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust thickness with reserved pasta water.

Yes, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative while keeping the sauce flavorful.

Spaghetti or linguine are ideal, as their shape holds the creamy sauce well and complements the fresh ingredients.

Toasted pine nuts or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.

Enjoy the sauce fresh to preserve its vibrant color and flavor; it may discolor if stored for long periods.

Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta

A creamy pasta with ripe avocado and fresh spinach, blended into a luscious sauce.

Prep 10m
Cook 15m
Total 25m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 oz spaghetti or linguine

Sauce

  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
  • 3.5 oz fresh baby spinach
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
2
Prepare Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, spinach, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, olive oil, chili flakes if using, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
3
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado-spinach sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat, adding reserved pasta water as necessary for a silky texture.
4
Serve: Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Food processor or blender
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 540
Protein 14g
Carbs 65g
Fat 25g

Allergy Information

  • Contains milk (Parmesan cheese) and wheat (pasta). Use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option and nutritional yeast for dairy-free or vegan variations.
Mila Russo

Passionate home cook sharing easy, flavorful recipes and practical meal tips.