Save to Pinterest The first time I made this avocado pesto mac, my roommate walked into the kitchen and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. The basil hits your nose before anything else, bright and peppery, then the creamy richness follows. It happened completely by accident during a weeknight dinner experiment when I had too many ripe avocados and a craving for comfort food. Now it has become our go-to meal when we want something indulgent that still feels fresh and wholesome.
Last summer I served this at a rooftop dinner party with friends, and someone actually asked if there was a secret ingredient because they could not figure out what made the sauce so luscious. Watching people take that first bite, eyes widening at how something so green could be so comforting, that is the moment this recipe became a keeper in my book.
Ingredients
- Macaroni: Short pasta catches all that creamy sauce in every bite, but any shape works wonderfully
- Ripe avocados: The backbone of the sauce, choose ones that yield slightly to gentle pressure
- Fresh basil: Tear it by hand right before blending for the most aromatic oils
- Extra virgin olive oil: This ties everything together with fruity richness
- Grated Parmesan: Adds salty depth that balances the buttery avocado
- Lemon juice: Keeps the avocado vibrant and adds brightness
- Milk: Any milk you have on hand works to reach that silky consistency
Instructions
- Get your pasta going:
- Drop that pasta into salted boiling water and cook it until it has that perfect bite, then scoop out some pasta water before draining
- Blend up the magic sauce:
- Throw those avocados, basil, garlic, olive oil, Parmesan, lemon juice, milk, salt, and pepper into your food processor and let it run until everything transforms into this smooth, bright green velvet
- Bring it all together:
- Pour that gorgeous sauce right over your hot pasta and toss it gently, adding splashes of the pasta water until it coats every single piece beautifully
- Make it your own:
- Taste it, add more salt or pepper if it needs it, and serve it up with extra Parmesan and fresh basil scattered on top like confetti
Save to Pinterest My cousin claims this is the only way her children will eat anything green, and honestly, I cannot blame them. Something about that creamy, herbaceous sauce wrapped around warm pasta feels like a hug in a bowl, no matter your age.
Make It Your Own
I love adding cherry tomatoes that burst when you bite into them, or sometimes I throw in roasted pine nuts for crunch. The sauce is incredibly forgiving and welcomes whatever you have in the fridge.
Perfect Pairings
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness beautifully, or keep it simple with a side salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to echo those bright notes in the sauce.
Storage Secrets
This dish really shines when it is fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the sauce separately from the pasta and toss them together just before serving. The avocado sauce will keep in the fridge for a day, though that gorgeous green might deepen a bit.
- Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of leftover sauce to prevent browning
- Bring the sauce to room temperature before tossing with reheated pasta
- Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice when reviving leftovers
Save to Pinterest There is something so satisfying about a dish that looks impressive but comes together so effortlessly. This avocado pesto mac has saved countless weeknight dinners and always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use unsweetened plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. The sauce will be equally creamy and delicious.
- → How do I prevent the avocado sauce from browning?
Serve immediately after preparing. The lemon juice helps slow oxidation. If making ahead, press plastic wrap directly onto the sauce surface to minimize air exposure.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Macaroni or any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli works well. Short tubes and curves hold the pesto sauce beautifully. Gluten-free pasta is a great option too.
- → Can I add vegetables to this?
Absolutely. Cherry tomatoes, roasted pine nuts, sautéed spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes all complement the avocado pesto beautifully. Toss them in with the pasta.
- → What if my sauce is too thick?
Add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until you reach desired consistency. You can also add a splash more milk. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce cling better than milk alone.