I absolutely adore this Creamy Avocado Alfredo recipe because it combines the rich, creamy texture of ripe avocados with the vibrant kick of fresh basil and garlic, creating an irresistibly fresh take on a classic dish. Plus, the addition of Parmesan and a hint of lemon gives it that perfect balance of savory and tangy that makes every bite an adventure!
I enjoy creating recipes that meld together healthful components with deep, delectable flavors. My Creamy Avocado Alfredo is a delightful turn on a classic beloved by many, using instead ripe avocados and fresh basil leaves.
With garlic, copious amounts of Parmesan cheese, and a whisper of lemon juice, this dish sits atop a bed of fettuccine pasta, and is both creamy and colorful.
Ingredients
Creamy, full of fiber, and rich in healthy fats, avocados have a unique texture.
Garlic: Enhances flavor, provides possible immune support.
Basil Leaves: Fresh aroma, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties.
Parmesan cheese provides a savory sapor as well as a hefty dose of protein and almost a third of the amount of calcium needed in a day.
The sauce is rendered rich and silky and blessed with decadence by heavy cream.
Juice of Lemon: Provides a burst of tangy brightness and vitamin C.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the fettuccine pasta following the direction provided in the package instructions, taking care to ensure that the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Prior to draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid, as you will need this in a later step. Once drained, set the pasta aside and maintain its heat by covering it with a lid.
2. Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking. Combine in a food processor the avocados, garlic, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Achieve a smooth and creamy mixture when blending the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. In a large skillet, medium heat the olive oil.
5. Place the creamy avocado mixture in the skillet and gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling.
6. Place the skillet and sauce over low heat. Stir in the reserved pasta water and the fettuccine. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta and reach your preferred consistency.
7. Sample the pasta and change the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
8. Present the Creamy Avocado Alfredo without delay.
9. If desired, additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves may be used as garnish.
10. Savor this creamy variation of a classic recipe!
Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Food processor
6. Large skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Ladle or spoon (for reserving pasta water)
FAQ
- Q: Can I use any other pasta instead of fettuccine?Q: In this recipe, we use fettuccine as the base for a pasta dish. Can you substitute another type of pasta for the fettuccine? If so, are there any other specific types of pasta you can use, and what is the general range of cooking times for these pastas compared to fettuccine?
- Q: Can this dish be made vegan?Indeed! Trade the heavy cream for coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative and use nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese.
- Q: How can I store leftovers?Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Be assured that the sauce may darken slightly, but it’s still safe to eat.
- Q: Can I make the avocado sauce ahead of time?A: The sauce is best made fresh, as avocados can oxidize and change color. However, if you need to, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge with a piece of plastic wrap on its surface to minimize browning.
- Q: What can I add for more protein?You can increase the protein content of the dish by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Q: Is there a substitute for basil leaves?If fresh basil is not attainable, try using fresh spinach or parsley instead; they’ll give you both the color and the flavor you need.
Substitutions and Variations
Ingredients to Replace: Avocado. 1 cup Greek yogurt. Note: This substitution works best in recipes where only the texture of avocado is needed; its flavor is not similar to that of avocado.
Substitutes for Ingredients: Garlic: Use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh cloves.
Basil Leaves: If fresh basil leaves aren’t on hand, substitute with 1 tablespoon dried basil.
Parmesan cheese: use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan alternative).
Coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
Pro Tips
1. Select Perfect Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a smooth and creamy texture. A ripe avocado yields slightly to gentle pressure but is not mushy.
2. Garlic Preparation: For a milder garlic flavor, roast the garlic cloves before adding them to the food processor. This will enhance the flavor depth without overpowering the sauce.
3. Basil Freshness: Use only the freshest basil leaves. To keep them vibrant and green, rinse and dry them just before using. This also helps maintain the sauce’s bright color.
4. Cheese Enhancement: Grate your Parmesan cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-grated to ensure maximum flavor and meltability in your sauce.
5. Pasta Cooking Tip: When boiling your fettuccine, add a pinch of salt to the water to enhance the pasta’s flavor. This step also adds depth to your finished dish when combined with the sauce.
Creamy Avocado Alfredo Recipe
My favorite Creamy Avocado Alfredo Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Measuring cups
4. Measuring spoons
5. Food processor
6. Large skillet
7. Wooden spoon or spatula
8. Knife
9. Cutting board
10. Ladle or spoon (for reserving pasta water)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the fettuccine pasta following the direction provided in the package instructions, taking care to ensure that the pasta reaches an al dente texture. Prior to draining, make sure to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking liquid, as you will need this in a later step. Once drained, set the pasta aside and maintain its heat by covering it with a lid.
2. Prepare the sauce while the pasta is cooking. Combine in a food processor the avocados, garlic, basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
3. Achieve a smooth and creamy mixture when blending the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
4. In a large skillet, medium heat the olive oil.
5. Place the creamy avocado mixture in the skillet and gently heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Avoid boiling.
6. Place the skillet and sauce over low heat. Stir in the reserved pasta water and the fettuccine. Toss well to coat the pasta in the sauce. If needed, add more pasta water to help the sauce adhere to the pasta and reach your preferred consistency.
7. Sample the pasta and change the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
8. Present the Creamy Avocado Alfredo without delay.
9. If desired, additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves may be used as garnish.
10. Savor this creamy variation of a classic recipe!
