This vegan avocado pasta, affectionately nicknamed “Guacaghetti,” is a perfect blend of creamy richness and fresh, zesty flavor.
The star ingredient—ripe avocado—provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and fiber, while nutritional yeast adds plant-based protein and a subtle cheesy depth.
The recipe is delightfully quick, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, lunch prep, or even a last-minute gathering.
With a natural balance of carbohydrates from pasta, good fats from avocado and olive oil, and antioxidant-rich herbs like basil or coriander, this dish nourishes without feeling heavy.
Optional toppings like cherry tomatoes, toasted pine nuts, and vegan feta add texture, color, and extra nutrients, elevating a simple meal into a satisfying culinary experience.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Mini Blender
Effortlessly combines avocados, garlic, and herbs into a smooth, creamy sauce, ensuring consistent texture every time. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for smoothies, dressings, and dips.
Mini Food Processor
Ideal for chopping and blending ingredients quickly, offering a slightly chunkier texture if preferred. Versatile for making pesto, hummus, or nut butters.
Large Pot
Essential for boiling pasta evenly without sticking, ensuring perfectly cooked noodles every time. A kitchen staple for soups, stews, or pasta dishes.
Measuring Spoons
Provides precise measurements for olive oil, lime juice, and nutritional yeast, guaranteeing the perfect balance of flavor. Useful for baking, dressings, and spice mixes.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Perfect for combining pasta and sauce gently without mashing, while also versatile for stirring, sautéing, and scraping bowls.
15-Minute Vegan Avocado Pasta
Equipment
- 1 Mini Blender
- 1 Mini Food Processor
- 1 Large Pot
- 1 Set Measuring Spoons
- 1 Wooden Spoon/Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
- 250 g spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 2 ripe avocados peeled and pitted
- 1 clove garlic peeled
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice about 1 lime
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 6 tbsp pasta cooking water
- 1 –2 tbsp fresh basil and/or coriander
- 1 pinch salt plus 1 tsp for pasta water
- Black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- 1 tomato or a few cherry tomatoes chopped
- 1 stalk spring onion thinly sliced
- 1 –2 tbsp toasted pine nuts
- Vegan feta crumbled
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding 1 teaspoon of salt to season. Carefully add the spaghetti or pasta of your choice and cook according to the package directions until al dente—firm but tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, reserve about 6 tablespoons of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water will help create a creamy, silky sauce in the next step.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce: While the pasta is cooking, halve, pit, and scoop out the flesh of the avocados into a mini blender or food processor. Add the peeled garlic clove, olive oil, lime juice, nutritional yeast, 6 tablespoons of reserved pasta water, and the fresh herbs (basil or coriander). Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides if needed. Taste and season with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. The result should be a rich, velvety sauce with a bright, fresh flavor.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained hot pasta to the same pot to keep it warm. Pour the avocado sauce over the pasta, using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to gently toss until every strand is coated evenly. Add a splash more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Make sure the pasta is still warm enough to absorb the flavors without cooling too quickly. Mixing in the sauce in the pot ensures a perfectly creamy, cohesive dish.
- Add Fresh Mix-Ins: If using optional ingredients, gently fold in chopped tomatoes or cherry tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and texture. You can also mix in thinly sliced green onions for a mild, aromatic crunch. Toasted pine nuts can be added at this stage for nutty richness. Keep a few tomatoes or herbs aside for garnishing to make the presentation inviting. These additions enhance flavor, color, and nutritional value.
- Plate and Garnish: Divide the creamy avocado pasta into two bowls or plates. Sprinkle with remaining tomatoes, extra fresh herbs, and optional vegan feta for added flavor and visual appeal. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired, and finish with a pinch of black pepper for seasoning. Serve immediately to enjoy the full creamy texture and vibrant taste. This simple, wholesome meal is perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal-prep treat.
Notes
- Use ripe, soft avocados for the creamiest sauce; underripe avocados will taste bland and be harder to blend.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water—it helps achieve a smooth, silky sauce consistency.
- Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy flavor and plant-based protein; adjust amount to taste.
- Optional toppings like tomatoes, green onions, pine nuts, or vegan feta elevate flavor, texture, and presentation.
- Serve immediately after mixing the pasta with the sauce to prevent browning or cooling.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Creaminess
The key to a luscious avocado pasta is using fully ripe avocados and incorporating starchy pasta water into the sauce.
This water binds the sauce and noodles together, creating a silky, clingy texture.
For extra flavor, add a small squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten the dish.
Nutritional yeast not only contributes a subtle cheesy taste but also adds plant-based protein and B vitamins, making this vegan pasta both rich and nourishing.
Lightly chopping fresh herbs instead of blending all of them can also give bursts of flavor and aroma in every bite.
Serving Suggestions To Elevate Flavor
This avocado pasta pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp side salads, such as arugula with cherry tomatoes and a light vinaigrette.
Add roasted vegetables for a heartier meal or top with a sprinkle of toasted nuts to introduce crunch and healthy fats.
For a protein boost, consider adding vegan grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
Garnishing with extra herbs or vegan feta not only enhances visual appeal but also adds layers of taste and texture.
Serve in shallow bowls to keep the creamy sauce intact and easy to twirl around your fork.
Storage Tips For Later Enjoyment
Store leftover avocado pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1–2 days.
Because avocado oxidizes quickly, the sauce may darken slightly, but a squeeze of fresh lime juice before reheating restores brightness.
Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave, adding a splash of water or plant milk to restore creaminess.
Avoid freezing the avocado sauce, as it can separate and become watery upon thawing.
For meal prep, consider keeping the sauce and pasta separate until ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use other pasta types?
Yes! Spaghetti works best, but fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta varieties are excellent alternatives. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the pasta used.
2. How can I prevent avocado browning?
Using ripe avocados and adding lime juice immediately after blending slows oxidation. Serve promptly or store in an airtight container with a layer of lime juice on top.
3. Can I make this recipe oil-free?
Absolutely. You can reduce or omit olive oil, but it may slightly alter the creamy texture. Blending the avocado thoroughly will still yield a smooth sauce.
4. Is nutritional yeast necessary?
No, it’s optional. Nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy flavor and plant-based protein, but the pasta will still be delicious without it.
5. Can this recipe be made ahead?
Yes, but keep the sauce and pasta separate until ready to serve to preserve freshness and vibrant color. Reheat gently and add a little pasta water if needed.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by plantbasedredhead. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
