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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug yet leaves you feeling fresh and vibrant, you’ve got to try this Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender grilled chicken, silky avocado sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta that comes together in under 40 minutes, making it both a weeknight winner and a showstopper for guests. The luscious creaminess from ripe avocados combined with a hint of lemon and garlic creates a flavor profile that’s truly irresistible and unlike anything you’ve had before. Trust me, this recipe will swiftly become one of your ultimate go-tos for a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because each ingredient is simple yet essential, contributing its own unique character to the dish. From the creamy texture of ripe avocados to the fresh brightness of basil, every element plays a role in perfecting the balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz): The star protein that grills to juicy perfection, adding hearty substance.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to coat the chicken, helping it develop a beautiful sear and locking in moisture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt & 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and avocado sauce.
- 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine: The comforting pasta base that carries the creamy sauce effortlessly.
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted: The secret to this luscious sauce, delivering richness and creaminess naturally.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and further creaminess without overwhelming the avocado’s fresh flavor.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Elevates the sauce’s silkiness and deepens its flavor with fruity notes.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the sauce and balances the richness with a citrusy zing.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a subtle kick and depth that ties the sauce together.
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish: Fresh herbs inject a burst of color and fragrant aroma.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For those who love a nutty, savory finish on top.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds a fragrant lift that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Grill Chicken
Start by heating your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high. Coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them with salt and pepper. Grill the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until juicy and cooked through. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling locks in the juices and keeps each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook Pasta
While your chicken is resting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente—offering that perfect slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a magic ingredient to help marry the sauce and pasta flawlessly.
Step 3: Blend Avocado Sauce
In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, Greek yogurt or sour cream, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce that feels like velvet — this sauce is the heart of your dish and will coat each strand of pasta beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Transfer your hot, drained pasta into a large bowl and toss with the creamy avocado sauce. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed, to reach a silky, luscious texture that lightly clings to every noodle without being heavy.
Step 5: Finish with Chicken and Garnish
Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of your avocado-coated pasta and gently toss everything together. Divide the dish onto plates and finish with fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan, a zest of lemon, or a sprinkling of red pepper flakes to personalize your Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness, while freshly grated Parmesan introduces a salty, nutty richness. A bit of lemon zest provides an uplifting aroma and red pepper flakes offer a gentle kick, perfect for tailoring the dish to your personal taste.
Side Dishes
This creamy avocado chicken pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables like asparagus or cherry tomatoes, which add a contrasting texture and vibrant freshness. A warm garlic bread on the side makes for a comforting, complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe in rustic shallow bowls to showcase the luscious sauce and colorful garnishes, or plate it elegantly with a sprig of basil and a lemon wedge on the side. For gatherings, consider making individual portions in mini ramekins and broiling briefly with Parmesan for a lightly golden finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because this dish uses fresh avocado, the sauce might darken slightly but stirring in a little lemon juice can help brighten it up again.
Freezing
This particular Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe doesn’t freeze well due to the avocado sauce, which can change texture and flavor when thawed. For best results, make a fresh batch of sauce if you want to prepare the pasta and chicken in advance and freeze separately.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving as it can cause the creamy sauce to separate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti or linguine works beautifully here, you can also use penne, fettuccine, or even short pasta shapes like rotini if you prefer. Just keep cooking times in mind.
Is Greek yogurt necessary in the avocado sauce?
Greek yogurt adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess, but you can substitute with sour cream or even a dairy-free yogurt to keep it creamy without dairy if needed.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have clear juices when pierced. The grill time of 6-7 minutes per side usually gets you there, but feel free to use a meat thermometer for precision.
Can I prepare this dish vegan?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled tofu or tempeh, use dairy-free yogurt alternatives, and omit Parmesan cheese to make a tasty vegan version of this creamy avocado chicken pasta recipe.
Why is pasta water important in this recipe?
Pasta water contains starch released from the pasta while cooking, which helps bind the sauce and pasta together, giving your dish a smooth, silky texture without the need for extra cream or butter.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe is a revelation in comfort food, effortlessly combining fresh ingredients and creamy textures to create a meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, this dish hits all the right notes of flavor and satisfaction. Go ahead, invite a little avocado magic into your kitchen today—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta is a delicious and nutritious meal combining tender grilled chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a smooth, creamy avocado sauce. The sauce, made with ripe avocados, Greek yogurt, fresh basil, and a hint of lemon, brings a fresh and vibrant flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky grilled chicken. Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine
Avocado Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Optional Garnishes
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon zest
- Red pepper flakes
- Extra fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare and grill chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Grill each side for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Blend avocado sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine the peeled and pitted avocados, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Place the hot, drained pasta in a large bowl. Gradually toss the avocado sauce with the pasta, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky, smooth consistency.
- Finish dish: Add the sliced grilled chicken to the pasta mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly. Divide the pasta among serving plates and garnish with additional fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes as desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use ripe avocados for a creamier sauce and better flavor.
- Greek yogurt adds protein and tang while keeping the sauce creamy; sour cream can be used as an alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without diluting the flavor.
- Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor; if you don’t have a grill, you can pan-sear or bake the chicken instead.
- Optional garnishes like Parmesan, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes add extra layers of flavor and visual appeal.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a non-dairy alternative or omit altogether.
