Are you looking for healthy and delicious food recipes that are also quick to make? Do you crave vibrant, flavorful meals without spending hours in the kitchen? Then look no further! This creamy avocado spinach pasta recipe is the perfect solution for a healthy weeknight dinner. It's packed with nutrients, bursting with fresh flavors, and unbelievably easy to prepare. This easy recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a delicious and healthy meal on the table fast. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and mashed
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Garlic: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
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Wilt the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
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Create the Avocado Sauce: Stir in the mashed avocado, vegetable broth (or water), and lemon juice. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
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Combine and Serve: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the avocado sauce. Toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Avocado Spinach Pasta:
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Avocado Ripeness: Use a ripe avocado for the creamiest sauce. A slightly underripe avocado will result in a less smooth texture.
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Don't Overcook the Spinach: Overcooked spinach will become mushy. Cook it just until it wilts.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You might want to add more lemon juice for acidity, salt for saltiness, or pepper for spice.
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Add Protein: To make this a more complete meal, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
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Vegetarian/Vegan Options: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, ensure your Parmesan cheese is a vegan alternative.
Variations:
- Creamy Tomato Avocado Spinach Pasta: Add a can of diced tomatoes to the sauce for a richer flavor and a beautiful color.
- Garlic Parmesan Avocado Spinach Pasta: Increase the amount of garlic and Parmesan cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Spicy Avocado Spinach Pasta: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Fat: Approximately 25-30g
- Protein: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50g
- Fiber: Approximately 10-15g
This creamy avocado spinach pasta recipe is a fantastic example of how quick dinner ideas can be both healthy and delicious. It's a perfect dish for a weeknight meal, a light lunch, or even a satisfying weekend brunch. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful recipe and discover the joy of homemade cooking! These easy recipes are a great way to incorporate more healthy meals into your diet without sacrificing taste or convenience.