Save to Pinterest The first time I made this, my roommate walked in and asked why I was making something that looked like Grinch food. By dinner time, she was scraping the bowl clean and asking when I would make it again. Theres something magical about how avocados turn into this silky, indulgent sauce that coats every curve of macaroni.
Last summer, I served this at a potluck and watched three different people ask for the recipe within minutes of tasting it. My friend Sarah said it was the kind of dish that makes you forget youre eating something nutritious. Theres pure joy in watching people discover that healthy food can be this satisfying.
Ingredients
- Macaroni or short pasta: Choose pasta with lots of surface area for the sauce to cling to
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water from inside out
- Ripe avocados: Should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not feel mushy
- Fresh basil leaves: The fragrant backbone that makes this sing
- Garlic cloves: Raw garlic brings a bright kick that balances the richness
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use your best quality oil here
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth and helps the sauce cling to pasta
- Lemon juice: Keeps the avocados vibrant and adds brightness
- Milk: Creates the pourable consistency you want
- Salt and black pepper: Finish seasoning that brings everything together
Instructions
- Get your pasta water going:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook macaroni until al dente. Scoop out 1/2 cup of that starchy cooking water before draining.
- Make the magic sauce:
- Blend avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. The sauce should look like glossy green velvet.
- Bring them together:
- Return the hot pasta to its pot and pour in that gorgeous green sauce. Toss gently, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until the sauce coats every piece beautifully.
- Season and serve:
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve right away while the pasta is still steaming hot.
Save to Pinterest This recipe became my go-to for nights when comfort food calls but I want to feel good about what Im eating. Something about that bright green color against white bowls makes the whole table feel lighter and happier.
Making It Your Own
I have found that adding a handful of baby spinach to the blender boosts the nutrition without changing the flavor. Sometimes I throw in roasted cherry tomatoes for pops of sweetness that contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce. The beauty here is how easily it adapts to whatever needs using up.
Texture Secrets
The trickiest part is getting the sauce consistency right. Too thick and it becomes a paste. Too thin and it slides right off the pasta. I aim for something that feels like heavy cream when I dip a spoon in. That reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for hitting the perfect texture every single time.
Serving Ideas
A crisp green salad with acidic vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Grilled chicken or shrimp on top turns this into a complete protein-packed dinner. For a lighter meal, serve smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables.
- Warm crusty bread for sopping up any extra sauce
- A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- Extra Parmesan passed around the table
Save to Pinterest There is something deeply satisfying about turning simple ingredients into something this vibrant and comforting. Hope this brings a little green joy to your table too.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh as the avocado sauce may oxidize and darken over time. However, you can prepare the pasta and pesto separately and combine just before serving for optimal color and flavor.
- → What pasta works best for this pesto sauce?
Short pasta shapes like macaroni, penne, or fusilli work wonderfully as they trap the creamy pesto sauce. Avoid long thin pasta like spaghetti, which doesn't hold the sauce as effectively.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
Reserve pasta water while draining and add it gradually to your sauce. The starchy water helps loosen the avocado mixture to the perfect consistency without diluting flavors.
- → Is this suitable for vegan diets?
Yes! Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use unsweetened plant-based milk instead of dairy. The dish maintains its creamy texture and rich flavor with these simple swaps.
- → What fresh additions would complement this dish?
Cherry tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, crispy breadcrumbs, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes add wonderful texture and flavor contrast to the creamy pesto sauce.
- → Can I use frozen avocados?
Fresh ripe avocados yield the best texture and flavor. Frozen avocados tend to be softer and may create a less vibrant pesto, though they work in a pinch for a vegan variation.