Are you a fan of creamy pasta dishes, but trying to maintain a keto lifestyle? Look no further than this delicious and easy-to-make creamy avocado pasta recipe. Not only is it keto-friendly, but it’s also vegan and vegetarian-friendly as well. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts for a cheaper alternative)
– 3 garlic cloves
– 2 tbsp lemon juice
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 lb. zucchini noodles (or pasta of your choice)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Avocado Sauce
First, remove the skin and pits from the avocados and place them in a food processor or blender. Add in the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, slowly add in the olive oil and blend until it’s well mixed. Set the sauce aside.
Step 2: Cook the Zucchini Noodles
If you’re using zucchini noodles, use a spiralizer to create the noodles. If you’re using traditional pasta, cook according to the package instructions. For zucchini noodles, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re tender but not mushy.
Step 3: Combine the Sauce and Noodles
Add the avocado sauce to the skillet with the zucchini noodles and stir until the noodles are fully coated with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate the creamy avocado pasta and garnish with additional pine nuts and fresh basil leaves if desired. Enjoy!
Vegan and Vegetarian Alternatives:
– For a vegan alternative, simply use zucchini noodles or vegan pasta and omit the pine nuts. You can also use a vegan parmesan cheese substitute to sprinkle on top.
– For a vegetarian alternative, use traditional pasta and sprinkle on some grated parmesan cheese.
Why Avocado Pasta is a Great Keto Option:
Avocado is a great ingredient for those following a keto diet because it’s high in heart-healthy fats and low in carbs. In fact, one whole avocado only contains about 2 grams of net carbs. Additionally, avocados are a great source of fiber and contain important vitamins and minerals like potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin C.
Zucchini noodles are also a great keto-friendly pasta option because they’re low in carbs and high in fiber. One cup of zucchini noodles contains only about 3 grams of net carbs. Plus, zucchini noodles are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Final Thoughts:
Creamy avocado pasta is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional pasta dishes. Not only is it keto-friendly, but it’s also vegan and vegetarian-friendly as well. The addition of heart-healthy fats from the avocado and the fiber from the zucchini noodles make this dish a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!
