If silky-smooth sauces, vibrant colors, and bold, fresh flavors light up your dinner table, then Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken is about to become your new obsession! This quick, wholesome dish brings the lush, buttery notes of ripe avocado together with juicy chicken and a tangy, herby pesto spin that hugs every twirl of pasta. It’s restaurant-level decadence, right at home, in under half an hour!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Creamy (Without Cream!): The luscious avocado sauce delivers that velvety, decadent texture—no heavy cream required.
- Fresh, Bright Flavors: Herbs, lemon, and garlic make every bite burst with summery, uplifting notes.
- Weeknight Wonder: From fridge to fork in around 20 minutes—yes, really! It’s perfect for busy evenings when you still crave something special.
- Naturally Nutritious: Packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and green goodness, it’s a meal that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken is all about simple, fresh ingredients doing what they do best. Each plays a starring role—whether it’s adding richness, zest, or just that pop of color that makes the whole plate irresistible.
- Uncooked Pasta (10 oz): Choose your favorite shape—short or long cuts both work, but spaghetti or penne really let the sauce shine.
- Cooked Chicken Breasts (2 cups, diced or shredded): Tender, protein-packed chicken makes this meal ultra-satisfying; use leftovers or rotisserie for a shortcut.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a gentle kick of heat—totally optional, but so good!
- Ripe Avocado (1 large): The heart and soul of that creamy, dreamy sauce—make sure it’s at peak ripeness for best flavor.
- Fresh Basil Leaves (1/4 cup): Adds aromatic depth and that classic Italian vibe.
- Fresh Parsley Leaves (1/4 cup): For a fresh, grassy lift that brightens everything.
- Scallions, green part only (2): Mildly oniony and beautifully green—they give a subtle zing.
- Garlic Cloves (2 large or 4 small): Raw garlic brings a gentle bite and layers of flavor to the sauce.
- Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): For brightness and to keep the avocado vibrant (no brown sauce here!).
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup grated, plus more to serve): Nutty, salty, cheesy goodness—don’t be shy with those extra shavings!
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Adds silkiness and ties everything together with its fruity richness.
- Sea Salt & Freshly Ground Pepper (1/4 tsp each, or to taste): Crucial for balancing flavors and making everything pop.
- For Serving (Optional): Rocket leaves (peppery freshness), toasted sourdough, and juicy roasted cherry tomatoes—all elevate your final plate.
Variations
This dish is a perfect blank slate—go wild getting creative with swaps and add-ins! Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken welcomes your personal touch, so you can tweak it for what’s in the fridge, dietary needs, or your very own tastebuds.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or even cubes of crispy tofu for a plant-powered twist.
- Pasta Swap: Use whole grain, gluten-free, or legume-based pasta for extra protein or fiber (lentil or chickpea pasta is divine here!).
- Boost the Greens: Blend a handful of baby spinach or arugula into the sauce for even more color and nutrients.
- Dairy-Free & Vegan: Omit the cheese (or use a vegan parmesan), and try a dash of nutritional yeast for a savory, cheesy flavor minus the dairy.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta of choice. Cook until al dente, following the package instructions for best results. Before draining, remember to scoop out about ¾–1 cup of the pasta water—this starchy liquid helps bring the avocado sauce together just right.
Step 2: Blend the Avocado Sauce
While the pasta cooks, halve the avocado, remove the stone, and scoop the flesh into a food processor. Toss in the fresh basil, parsley, green parts of the scallions, garlic cloves, lemon juice, grated parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until everything is silky smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed. Taste—and if you prefer a looser texture, add a splash of milk or pasta water.
Step 3: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Transfer the drained pasta back to its pot or a large mixing bowl. Add the creamy avocado sauce and toss gently but thoroughly so every noodle is coated in green. Fold in your cooked chicken breast and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for color and gentle warmth. Use your reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your ideal sauciness.
Step 4: Plate and Garnish
Twirl generous mounds of Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken onto plates or bowls. Add extra parmesan, another sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like, and top with handfuls of peppery rocket leaves, a side of toasted sourdough, or a scatter of sweet roasted cherry tomatoes for even more flavor and color.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken
- Avocado Perfection: Use an avocado that gives gently to pressure but isn’t overripe—this ensures a silky, vibrant sauce without any bitter notes.
- Reserve That Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save starchy pasta water before draining—this is the secret to making your sauce clingy and luscious, not gluey or dry.
- Warm Chicken Only at the End: If your chicken was refrigerated, let it come to room temp or toss it in at the very last second—this helps preserve the fresh flavor of the avocado sauce.
- Bold with Herbs: Change up your herbs based on what’s on hand—try cilantro for a zesty twist or a little mint for a cooling effect!
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken
Garnishes
For that final flourish, more parmesan is always a win—freshly shaved or grated adds salty richness and a gorgeous snowy effect. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon right before serving wakes up the flavors, and a scatter of chopped herbs or extra red pepper flakes adds a little fresh pop and color on top of the creamy base.
Side Dishes
Pair your Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken with a platter of softly roasted cherry tomatoes or blistered green beans for a sweet counterpoint. A crisp green salad and a big hunk of toasted sourdough or focaccia round out the meal perfectly—don’t forget to use the bread to mop up every last bit of that velvety sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, try twirling nests of pasta with tongs and placing them on individual plates for a fancy touch. For family-style, pile the pasta high on a big platter and scatter the toppings generously. Mini ramekins with extra herbs, grated cheese, and lemon wedges let everyone customize each bite at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cooled leftover Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken can be transferred into a tightly sealed container and stored in the fridge for up to two days. The sauce might darken slightly, but the flavors will remain fresh—just give everything a stir before serving.
Freezing
Sadly, this dish isn’t suitable for freezing—the avocado sauce can separate or turn an unappetizing color after thawing. It’s best to enjoy fresh or chilled from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
The beauty of this pasta is that it’s amazing cold—almost like an avocado chicken pasta salad! If you’d prefer it just a bit warm, use the microwave on 50% power in 30-second bursts, stirring each time. Add a splash of water or milk if the sauce seems thick. Just be gentle—high heat can dull the avocado’s fresh flavor.
FAQs
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Can I make Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in an airtight container (press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface). Assemble the pasta and chicken just before serving for the brightest flavor and color.
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What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Just about any pasta shape is delicious with this dish! Spaghetti, linguine, penne, fusilli, or even shells all work beautifully since the creamy sauce clings well. Feel free to use whole grain, gluten-free, or legume-based pastas as well.
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How can I keep the avocado sauce from browning?
Lemon juice is your friend! It not only brightens flavor but helps prevent the sauce from turning brown. If storing, press plastic wrap directly against the surface of the sauce in an airtight container to keep it fresh and green longer.
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Is Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken good cold?
Yes! This pasta is absolutely delicious served cold—think of it as a vibrant, creamy pasta salad. It’s perfect for picnics, lunchboxes, or make-ahead meals on a hot day.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the joy (and simplicity!) of Creamy Avocado Pasta with Chicken. Each bowl is creamy, bold, and cheerfully green—pure comfort food with a modern, healthy spin. Give it a whirl tonight, and share it with loved ones who appreciate a meal that’s as vibrant as it is delicious!
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Creamy Avocado Pasta (with Chicken) Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending, Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a creamy and flavorful pasta dish with this Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe. This dish combines the richness of avocado sauce with tender chicken for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 10 oz Uncooked Pasta (of choice)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Breasts (diced or shredded)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
For the avocado sauce:
- 1 large Ripe Avocado
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves
- 2 Scallions (only green part)
- 2 large Garlic cloves (or 4 small)
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated plus more for serving)
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/4 teaspoon Sea Salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper (or to taste)
For serving (optional):
- Rocket Leaves (as needed)
- Toasted Sourdough
- Roasted Cherry Tomatoes (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta well.
- Make the Avocado Sauce: Blend avocado, basil, parsley, scallions, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the Pasta: Toss the pasta with avocado sauce, chicken, red pepper flakes, and reserved pasta water. Serve with additional parmesan, red pepper flakes, and optional sides.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Avoid freezing as the avocado sauce may not maintain its consistency.
- For reheating, enjoy the pasta cold or gently warm in short bursts in the microwave with a splash of water or milk if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
