Veggie Smuggler Avocado Pasta (Print View)
Creamy avocado sauce with hidden zucchini, spinach, broccoli and peas coats tender pasta for a nutritious, quick meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 12 oz whole wheat or regular spaghetti or linguine
→ Avocado Sauce
02 - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
03 - 1 small zucchini, roughly chopped
04 - 1 cup baby spinach
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
06 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
07 - 2 cloves garlic
08 - 1/4 cup olive oil
09 - 3-4 tablespoons unsweetened plant-based milk or dairy milk
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
→ Hidden Veggies
11 - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
12 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
→ Garnish
13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative
14 - Chopped fresh basil (optional)
15 - Lemon zest (optional)
# How to Make:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
02 - While pasta cooks, steam broccoli florets until tender, approximately 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
03 - Combine avocados, zucchini, spinach, basil, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and 3 tablespoons milk in blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add additional milk if needed to achieve silky consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - Toss hot drained pasta with avocado sauce, broccoli, and peas in large mixing bowl. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce and ensure thorough coating.
05 - Serve immediately topped with Parmesan cheese, additional fresh basil, and lemon zest if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The creamy avocado sauce somehow makes you forget you are eating zucchini and spinach
- Ready in half an hour but tastes like something from a fancy Italian kitchen
02 -
- The sauce darkens quickly once exposed to air, so make it right before serving for the most vibrant presentation
- Room temperature avocados blend much smoother than cold ones straight from the fridge
03 -
- Reserve extra pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce before serving
- If the sauce tastes too rich, a splash more lemon juice brightens everything beautifully