Creamy Avocado Basil Linguine
Indulge in the luxurious flavors of our Creamy Avocado Basil Linguine, a vibrant vegan dish that combines the rich creaminess of ripe avocados with the aromatic freshness of basil. This quick and easy recipe brings together classic pesto flavors with a unique spin, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a delightful dish for entertaining. Your taste buds will dance with joy as you serve this colorful plate, which can be enriched with sun-dried tomatoes for an added burst of flavor. Ready in just under thirty minutes, this pasta is not only delicious but also an impressive showcase of plant-based ingredients!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried linguine
1 lb (none)
basil leaves
1 bunch (about 2 1/2 ounces) (washed and stems removed)
pine nuts
1/2 cup (lightly toasted, if desired)
ripe avocados
2 (pitted and peeled)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (about 1/2 a lemon, freshly squeezed)
garlic cloves
3 (peeled)
olive oil
1/2 cup (extra virgin recommended)
salt
to taste (none)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
chopped sun-dried tomato
1/4 cup (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
2
2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the pesto. In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, avocados, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and olive oil. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as necessary.
3
3. Season the avocado pesto to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust flavor according to your preference, adding more lemon juice or garlic if desired.
4
4. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving a cup of the cooking water. Return the pasta to the pot and add the avocado pesto. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if you need to loosen the sauce.
5
5. Transfer the coated pasta to a large serving bowl or individual plates. Garnish each serving with fresh basil leaves and, for an extra burst of color and flavor, top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
6
6. Serve immediately and enjoy this creamy, herb-packed pasta dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Avocado Basil Linguine?
It is a luxurious, vibrant vegan pasta dish that combines ripe avocados with fresh basil to create a creamy pesto-style sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Yes, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
The recipe is quick and easy, taking just under thirty minutes to complete.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of dried linguine.
How do I cook the linguine?
Cook it in a large pot of salted water according to package directions until it is al dente.
What are the main ingredients in the avocado pesto?
The pesto consists of basil leaves, pine nuts, ripe avocados, lemon juice, garlic cloves, and olive oil.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the basil, nuts, avocados, and other ingredients into a smooth and creamy sauce.
Can I adjust the flavor of the pesto?
Yes, you can season with salt and pepper to taste and add more lemon juice or garlic according to your preference.
Should I save any of the pasta cooking water?
Yes, reserve a cup of the cooking water to loosen the sauce if needed when tossing the pasta.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally while it is boiling in the pot.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
Garnish with fresh basil leaves and chopped sun-dried tomatoes if desired.
Are the sun-dried tomatoes mandatory?
No, sun-dried tomatoes are an optional garnish for an extra burst of color and flavor.
Should the pine nuts be toasted?
The recipe suggests lightly toasting the pine nuts if desired for better flavor.
What kind of olive oil should I use?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for this recipe.
How many avocados are needed?
You will need 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe calls for 3 peeled garlic cloves.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutritious plant-based meal.
What cuisine category does this fall under?
It is categorized as European and Italian cuisine.
Can I serve this dish for guests?
Yes, it is an impressive showcase of plant-based ingredients perfect for entertaining.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, which is about half a lemon.
What should the texture of the pesto be?
The pesto should be blended until it is smooth and creamy.
How do I prepare the basil leaves?
The basil should be washed and the stems should be removed.
Can I add more garlic if I like it spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the flavor by adding more garlic if desired.
Should I serve this dish hot or cold?
The recipe recommends serving it immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce.
What if the sauce is too thick?
Add the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is there a specific way to season the dish?
Season the avocado pesto with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include vegan, pasta, avocado, pesto, basil, quick meal, healthy, and plant-based.
Is the linguine preparation complex?
No, the linguine requires no special preparation other than boiling.
What makes this pesto unique?
It uses ripe avocados to create a richer, creamier texture compared to traditional pesto.