Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta
A creamy, nutrient-dense pasta dish packed with magnesium-rich greens and anti-inflammatory fats to soothe headaches. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (anti-inflammatory, whole30) ready in about 27 minutes blends spaghetti, ripe Hass avocado, fresh spinach into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 510 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 ripe Hass avocado
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2 cloves garlic
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, place 1 pitted and peeled ripe Hass avocado, 2 cups fresh spinach, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp sea salt into a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
- Step 3: Add the drained spaghetti to the avocado pesto and toss vigorously for 2 minutes, adding 2 tbsp reserved pasta water at a time until the sauce coats every strand and becomes glossy.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta?
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 Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta 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 Migraine-Relief Avocado Pesto Pasta whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Made with what I had on hand and it still came out great.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
