Cathleen Crobons

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Dairy Free Creamy Avocado Pasta

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This Dairy Free Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe is one that you will want to make over and over!  It is a healthy, delicious and versatile option made with creamy avocado, your pasta shape of choice, fresh lemon juice, and leafy greens.  It is perfectly flavored with garlic, nutritional yeast, salt and pepper.

Not only is this recipe delicious, but it is quite easy too!  You will simply place all of the ingredients in a food processor, process until smooth and mix it into your cooked pasta.  You can have this dinner on the table in just minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or for when you are in a rush!

The creamy texture and vibrant green color of the avocado sauce makes for an impressive and unique pasta dish that stands out from your typical pasta recipe.  This recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

If you are looking for more pasta recipes, try my: Dairy Free Artichoke Lemon Pasta, One Pot Gluten Free Pasta or Mediterranean Tuna and Gluten Free Orzo Salad.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

  • It is healthy. You will love the health benefits from the avocados, spinach and nutritional yeast. Each of these ingredients provides powerful nutrients like healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

  • It is dairy free. This is a perfect alternative for those who are lactose intolerant, have a dairy allergy or for those who are looking to reduce or eliminate dairy from their diet. This recipe allows everyone to enjoy a creamy pasta dish without the discomfort or adverse reactions that can come from consuming dairy products. 

  • It is delicious. The avocado-based sauce in this recipe is incredibly creamy, smooth and flavorful. It is fantastic mixed in with warm pasta and can easily be customized to suit your specific taste preferences. This is perfect for avocado lovers!

Ingredients

Here are notes about the ingredients needed to make this creamy avocado pasta dish.  All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or an online retailer.

  • Avocado: You will use ½ of ripe avocado.

  • Spinach: Fresh baby spinach works great or any of your favorite leafy greens will work great too!

  • Pine nuts: You can use either pine nuts or walnuts.

  • Nutritional yeast

  • Garlic

  • Olive oil

  • Lemon: Use the juice from ½ of a lemon.

  • Pasta: I prefer to use Jovial Foods gluten free pasta, but you can use your preferred kind of pasta.

  • Salt & black pepper

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Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how to make this easy pasta recipe.

Step 1: In a large stock pot, cook the pasta according to the package instructions, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid before straining.

Step 2: In a food processor, blend together the avocado, spinach, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, olive oil and lemon.

Step 3: In a small saucepan, heat the avocado mixture over low heat until heated through.  Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the avocado mixture with the pasta.  Stir well to combine.  If the pasta mixture is tight, add some of the pasta water and stir well to combine.

Step 5: Before serving, top with dairy free parmesan, red pepper flakes and protein, if desired.

Expert Tips

  • Be sure to save some of the pasta water before you strain the pasta.  To do this, simply ladle some of the water into a bowl.  You can use some of this water to loosen up the pasta if it needs it after mixing in all the ingredients.

  • If you do not have a food processor, place all ingredients in a high powered blender and process until smooth instead.

Variations

  • Try adding in some of your favorite fresh herbs or spices to give this dish some added flavor.

  • Toss in your favorite veggies or protein to create a complete meal. Some great additions would be cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes,  grilled chicken or shrimp.

  • For an even zestier flavor, add some lemon zest into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with some crusty gluten free bread and a delicious green salad for a complete meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

Would arugula work in place of the spinach?

Absolutely!  Fresh arugula would add a great peppery flavor to this dish and would pair well with the other ingredients.

What is nutritional yeast?

Nutritional yeast is a savory deactivated yeast that has a nutty flavor that is similar to cheese. It adds flavor without adding salt, sugar or fat to your dishes.

What can I do with leftovers?

This pasta dish is best eaten fresh.  Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Serve heated up in the microwave or cold from the refrigerator!

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More Delicious Recipes

Sweet and Sour Ground Bison Meatballs (AIP): This recipe for Sweet and Sour Ground Bison Meatballs is one that you are going to want to make again and again!  These homemade meatballs are made with lean bison meat that is seasoned with garlic, ginger and scallions and topped with a flavorful pomegranate sweet and sour sauce.

Homemade Chocolate Cashew Butter: Homemade chocolate cashew butter is a super easy, delicious and healthy recipe that you will love!  It is made with raw cashews, coconut oil, maple syrup, and cocoa powder.

Roasted Squash Salad with Warm Cider Vinaigrette: This roasted squash salad with warm cider vinaigrette is a healthy lunch or dinner option that is full of flavor. It has peppery arugula and tender spinach topped with maple roasted squash, tart cranberries, crispy bacon, toasted walnuts, and a yummy warm cider vinaigrette.

If you make this recipe, don't forget to come back and leave a 5-star rating and a comment below.

Many Hugs,

Cathleen

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