Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes
A quick vegetarian pasta tossed with a smooth avocado sauce and sweet cherry tomatoes for a fresh, creamy meal. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (340g) spaghetti, large (about 200g) ripe avocado, (30ml) fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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 (340g) spaghetti
- 1 large (about 200g) ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice
- 3 tbsp (45ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large, minced garlic clove
- 1 1/2 cups (250g), halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup (10g), chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup (25g), grated, optional parmesan cheese
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
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. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: While pasta cooks, in a blender combine 1 large ripe avocado, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, and 1 large minced garlic clove. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Transfer the avocado sauce to a large bowl. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water 1-2 tbsp at a time until the sauce evenly coats the noodles.
- Step 4: Stir in 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Serve immediately, topped with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese if using.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 (340g) spaghetti from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes?
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 Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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 Simple Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes 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.
