Description
This vibrant Green Spaghetti combines creamy avocado, sautéed spinach, fresh basil, and zesty lemon into a velvety sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and visually stunning dinner that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound spaghetti pasta
- 10 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
- Pine nuts or walnuts (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes).
- Transfer spinach and garlic mixture to a blender. Add avocado, basil, Parmesan, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Add reserved pasta water 1–2 tablespoons at a time to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Return the sauce to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Add more pasta water if needed to keep the sauce smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and optional grilled shrimp or nuts for added flair.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado can brown over time.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: CT15M
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg