You know those nights when you want something cozy, creamy, and carb-y... but still light and nourishing?
That’s exactly where this dreamy One-Pot Creamy Avocado Pasta comes in.

This recipe has become one of my favorite weeknight go-to’s. It’s rich and comforting like Alfredo, but made with real-food ingredients you can feel great about — avocado, lemon, garlic, olive oil, and a splash of pasta water to bring it all together.

And the best part? It all comes together in one pot in about 20 minutes. That means fewer dishes, more flavor, and a fast dinner everyone at the table loves — even my picky eaters.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (I use whole wheat or chickpea pasta)

• 1 large ripe avocado

• 2 cloves garlic

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup fresh basil (optional but amazing)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• ¼ cup reserved pasta water

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional, or use nutritional yeast)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.

2. Make the creamy avocado sauce
   In a food processor or blender, combine avocado, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, basil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add pasta water to thin it out as needed.

3. Combine it all
   Return the drained pasta to the pot. Pour the avocado sauce over the warm pasta and toss gently until evenly coated.

4. Finish & serve
   Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve warm with a sprinkle of Parmesan or nutritional yeast if desired.

Sarah’s Tips:

• Add protein: Toss in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make it more filling.

• Make it dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

• Avocado tip: Use a perfectly ripe avocado for the creamiest sauce — not too firm, not too mushy.

• Kid tip: Add a bit more pasta water and cheese if your kids are skeptical of green sauce — it blends in beautifully!

Flavorful Conclusion:

This One-Pot Creamy Avocado Pasta is proof that healthy meals don’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of real ingredients and one pot to clean, this dinner delivers all the comfort of creamy pasta — without the heavy feeling afterward. It’s fresh, flavorful, and totally weeknight approved.

Nutrition (per serving, serves 4):

• Calories: 410

• Protein: 12g

• Carbs: 45g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 2g