Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta Nests with Cherry Tomato Garnish
Indulge in these delightful Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta Nests, combining the rich flavors of fresh avocado and parmesan with al dente spaghetti. Perfectly baked in muffin tins, each nest is exquisitely topped with an elegant avocado rose and garnished with vibrant cherry tomatoes. This dish not only captivates the eye but also delivers a satisfying and creamy texture that makes it perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying a cozy night in. Elevate your pasta experience with this unique twist on classic Alfredo!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
avocados
3-4 (1 for mashing, others for avocado roses)
lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon (plus more for garnish)
spaghetti or linguini noodles
1/2 lb (cooked al dente)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
heavy cream
1 cup (whipped or fresh)
shredded parmesan cheese
1 cup (plus more for serving)
large egg
1 (beaten)
seasoned bread crumbs
3 tablespoons (for coating)
chopped parsley
1/4 cup (fresh)
cherry tomatoes
6 (sliced for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly greasing a muffin tin.
2
In a mixing bowl, mash one avocado using a fork until smooth, then mix in 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning.
3
Cook the spaghetti (or linguini) according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, slowly mix in the heavy cream, shredded parmesan cheese, and the mashed avocado until fully combined and creamy.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and then stir in the seasoned bread crumbs until well combined. Fold in the creamy avocado mixture and cooked pasta, ensuring all the noodles are well coated.
6
Gently sprinkle in the chopped parsley and mix it throughout the noodle mixture to distribute evenly.
7
Using a fork, twirl a portion of the pasta mixture and shape it into a nest shape, placing it into the greased muffin tin. Repeat with the remaining noodles until all are used.
8
Bake the pasta nests in the oven for 12 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy.
9
While the nests are baking, prepare the avocado roses by thinly slicing the remaining avocados and overlapping the slices to form a rose shape. Drizzle with lemon juice to keep them fresh.
10
Once the nests are baked, remove them from the oven and let them rest on a cooling rack for a few minutes before gently scooping them out.
11
Top each pasta nest with an avocado rose, garnish with sliced cherry tomatoes, and sprinkle additional parmesan cheese to serve.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of the Creamy Avocado Alfredo Pasta Nests?
The dish features a rich and creamy blend of fresh avocado, heavy cream, and shredded parmesan cheese, creating a unique twist on classic Alfredo.
What type of pasta is best for making these nests?
Spaghetti or linguini noodles are recommended as they are easy to twirl into a nest shape.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C).
How do I prevent the mashed avocado from browning?
Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice with the mashed avocado to prevent oxidation and browning.
How long do the pasta nests need to bake?
Bake the nests for approximately 12 minutes until they are golden and slightly crispy.
Why is an egg included in the pasta mixture?
The egg acts as a binder, helping the pasta noodles hold their nest shape while baking in the muffin tin.
What is the role of bread crumbs in this recipe?
Seasoned bread crumbs are mixed with the egg and pasta to provide texture and assist in binding the nests together.
How many avocados are needed for this recipe?
You will need 3 to 4 avocados: one for mashing into the sauce and the others for creating the decorative avocado roses.
What is the best way to shape the pasta nests?
Use a fork to twirl a portion of the coated pasta mixture and then place it carefully into a greased muffin tin.
How do I make the avocado roses used for garnish?
Thinly slice the avocados and overlap the slices in a line, then gently roll them into a rose shape.
Can I use fresh parsley in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of fresh chopped parsley is used to add flavor and color throughout the noodle mixture.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
The pasta should be cooked until 'al dente' according to package instructions before being mixed with the sauce and baked.
What kind of cheese is used in the Alfredo sauce?
One cup of shredded parmesan cheese is used in the sauce, with extra reserved for serving.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What are the suggested garnishes for this dish?
The nests are garnished with avocado roses, sliced cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of additional parmesan cheese.
Do I need to let the nests rest after baking?
Yes, let them rest on a cooling rack for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin to ensure they maintain their shape.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of melted butter for the Alfredo base.
What is the texture of the finished pasta nests?
The nests are creamy on the inside with a slightly crispy, golden exterior from the baking process.
Can I use linguini instead of spaghetti?
Yes, linguini is a great alternative for this recipe and works well for forming nests.
How many cherry tomatoes are recommended?
About 6 cherry tomatoes, sliced, are used as a garnish for the finished nests.
What is the first step in making the Alfredo sauce?
The first step is melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, followed by slowly mixing in the heavy cream.
Is this dish better for a casual dinner or a formal gathering?
Because of its elegant presentation with avocado roses, it is perfect for both cozy nights in and formal gatherings or parties.
How do I ensure the Alfredo sauce is creamy?
Slowly mix the heavy cream, shredded parmesan, and mashed avocado into the melted butter until the mixture is fully combined.
Should the muffin tin be greased?
Yes, the muffin tin should be lightly greased to prevent the pasta nests from sticking.
Can I add more lemon juice than the recipe calls for?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon in the mash, but you can drizzle more over the avocado roses to keep them fresh.
How much heavy cream is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of heavy cream.
Are the bread crumbs seasoned or plain?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of seasoned bread crumbs.
How much pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 lb of spaghetti or linguini noodles.
What is the best way to combine the pasta and sauce?
Fold the cooked pasta into the bowl containing the whisked egg, bread crumbs, and creamy avocado mixture until all noodles are coated.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
Yes, with a 12-minute bake time and straightforward assembly, it is considered an easy recipe.