A creamy and delightful dish, Avocado Carbonara is a unique twist on the classic carbonara pasta that everyone will enjoy. Its refreshing flavors make it perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Made with wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only delicious but also brings a healthy option to your table. With its velvety avocado sauce and satisfying texture, you’ll find it hard to resist!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Creamy Texture: The avocados create an ultra-creamy sauce without the need for heavy cream.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious avocados and kale, this pasta is both delicious and good for you.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as a main course or a side dish, it can complement many meals.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavor of the avocado sauce makes it appealing to kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Avocado Carbonara, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the cooking process easier and more efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Large pot
- Pasta strainer
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or food processor: This tool helps achieve a smooth avocado sauce quickly, ensuring all ingredients are well-blended.
- Large pot: A spacious pot allows ample room for boiling linguini noodles, preventing them from sticking together.
- Pasta strainer: This makes draining the cooked pasta easy while keeping your kitchen clean.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb Linguini Noodles
For the Avocado Sauce
- 2 Avocados (pit removed and peeled)
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 large leaves of Kale
- 3-4 cloves Garlic
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- Pinch Cayenne
For Serving
- 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved)
- 4-5 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
How to Make Avocado Carbonara
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Salt generously before adding the linguini noodles.
- Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Make the Avocado Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, egg yolks, kale leaves, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne.
- Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Combine with Pasta
- Turn the blender or food processor on low.
- Slowly add in the reserved hot pasta water until smooth.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
- Pour the avocado sauce over the cooked linguine noodles in a large bowl.
- Stir to fully combine all ingredients.
- Add crumbled Turkey Bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese; stir again to mix well.
Serve immediately for an unforgettable meal! Enjoy your creamy Avocado Carbonara!
How to Serve Avocado Carbonara
Avocado Carbonara is a delightful dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.
Fresh Salad
- A light garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Drizzle with lemon vinaigrette for extra zing.
Garlic Bread
- Serve warm, crispy garlic bread on the side for a satisfying crunch. The buttery, garlicky flavors complement the richness of the avocado sauce.
Grilled Vegetables
- Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus bring a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. These veggies can be seasoned simply with olive oil and herbs before grilling.
Sliced Avocados
- For an extra touch of creaminess, serve sliced avocados on top of each plate. They add a beautiful presentation and enhance the avocado flavor.
Roasted Chickpeas
- Crunchy roasted chickpeas provide protein and texture. Simply toss chickpeas with olive oil and spices before roasting them until crispy.
Lemon Wedges
- Offer lemon wedges on the side for guests who want to brighten up their plate with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. It adds brightness to each bite.
How to Perfect Avocado Carbonara
Creating the perfect Avocado Carbonara is all about technique and balance. Here are some tips to ensure your dish comes out creamy and delicious every time.
Choose ripe avocados – Use perfectly ripe avocados for a smooth sauce. They should yield slightly when pressed but not be mushy.
Reserve enough pasta water – The starchy pasta water helps in achieving the desired creaminess of the sauce. Make sure to set aside at least one cup before draining.
Blend thoroughly – Ensure that all ingredients in the sauce are blended until completely smooth. This creates a velvety texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.
Adjust seasoning – Taste your avocado sauce before combining it with the pasta. You may want to add more salt or lemon juice to balance flavors.
Serve immediately – Enjoy your Avocado Carbonara right after mixing it with the pasta. The sauce is best when fresh as it can brown over time.
Experiment with toppings – Feel free to customize your dish with various toppings like nuts or seeds for added crunch or even roasted vegetables for added flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Avocado Carbonara
Pairing side dishes with Avocado Carbonara can enhance your meal’s overall appeal and nutrition. Here are some excellent options to consider:
Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction make for a light, flavorful accompaniment.
Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering the main dish’s flavors.
Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad with herbs and diced vegetables offers a wholesome option that complements the creamy pasta well.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes provide sweetness that balances the savory tones of your carbonara while adding fiber to your meal.
Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in vinegar brings crispness that contrasts nicely with the rich pasta dish.
Grilled Corn on the Cob – Charred corn adds sweetness and smokiness, making it an enjoyable side dish during summer gatherings.
Baked Zucchini Fries – Crispy baked zucchini fries offer a fun finger food option that pairs well while keeping things healthy.
Herbed Rice Pilaf – Fluffy rice pilaf infused with herbs provides a neutral base that absorbs flavors from both the avocado carbonara and other sides beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes ensures your Avocado Carbonara turns out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the Pasta Water: Not reserving pasta water can result in a dry dish. Always set aside a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta too long leads to mushy noodles. Aim for al dente for the best texture.
- Not Blending Enough: A chunky sauce won’t coat the pasta well. Blend until smooth for a creamy consistency.
- Using Unripe Avocados: Unripe avocados won’t blend smoothly and can affect flavor. Choose ripe, soft avocados for the best results.
- Ignoring Seasoning: A bland sauce can ruin the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning, especially salt and lemon juice, to enhance flavors.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the avocado carbonara separate from any toppings like cheese or turkey bacon to maintain freshness.
Freezing Avocado Carbonara
- While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months.
- Use a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top as it may expand when frozen.
Reheating Avocado Carbonara
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered with foil for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about making Avocado Carbonara.
How do I make Avocado Carbonara vegan?
You can omit the egg yolks and Parmesan cheese and replace them with plant-based alternatives. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
Can I use whole wheat pasta for Avocado Carbonara?
Yes! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative that adds extra fiber and nutrients without compromising taste.
What to serve with Avocado Carbonara?
Pair it with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal. Garlic bread also complements this dish nicely.
How long does Avocado Carbonara last in the fridge?
It lasts up to 3 days in an airtight container. However, it’s best enjoyed fresh!
Final Thoughts
This Avocado Carbonara is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or protein sources. Give it a try; you’ll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
Avocado Carbonara
Avocado Carbonara is a creamy and delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, perfect for summer gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. This vibrant pasta features a velvety avocado sauce that replaces traditional heavy cream, making it both delicious and nutritious. With wholesome ingredients like fresh avocados, kale, and a touch of garlic, this recipe offers a refreshing and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, Avocado Carbonara is an excellent option for busy nights when you want something healthy yet indulgent.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguini noodles
- 2 ripe avocados
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 large leaves of kale
- 3–4 cloves of garlic
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Cooked turkey bacon (for topping)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguini until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, egg yolks, kale, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne. Blend until smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to the blender until desired creaminess is achieved.
- Toss the avocado sauce with cooked linguini in a large bowl. Mix in crumbled turkey bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling/Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 180mg