Trending Creamy Garlic Pasta
A viral sensation featuring a velvety avocado-infused sauce that coats every strand of pasta, with fragrant garlic and a hint of heat for perfect comfort food. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 40 minutes pairs spaghetti, large avocado, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 large avocado
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water (use 1 tbsp salt) to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant and softened — do not let garlic brown.
- Step 3: Stir in the reserved 1/2 cup pasta water and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and sauce thickens (about 2 minutes).
- Step 4: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet and toss vigorously for 1 minute until evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add 1 tbsp reserved pasta water.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1 large peeled, pitted, and mashed avocado until smooth, then add 2 tbsp chopped parsley and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Season with 1/2 tsp salt to taste.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Trending Creamy Garlic Pasta take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Trending Creamy Garlic Pasta?
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 Trending Creamy Garlic 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 Trending Creamy Garlic 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.
What goes well with Trending Creamy Garlic Pasta?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★☆☆
Average. The concept is good but execution needs work on seasoning.
