Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil
A fresh pasta dish featuring a half avocado, half tomato sauce blended into a creamy, vibrant sauce with fragrant basil and garlic. This Italian-inspired pasta recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 20 minutes, pairs spaghetti, ripe avocado, cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti
- 1 medium, peeled and pitted ripe avocado
- 1 1/2 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated, plus more to serve parmesan cheese
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water and drain the rest.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a blender or food processor.
- Step 3: Blend until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Step 4: Toss the drained spaghetti with the avocado-tomato sauce and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 5: Serve immediately with additional Parmesan and fresh basil leaves if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Half-Creamy Avocado and Tomato Pasta with Basil vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
