If you’re on the lookout for a pasta dish that feels luxurious yet comforting, the Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe is about to become your new obsession. It combines the rich, silky texture of avocado with the smoky, savory bite of tender beef strips, all enveloped in perfectly cooked pasta. The creamy avocado sauce not only acts as a luscious, dairy-free alternative to traditional carbonara but also brightens the dish with fresh lemon juice and garlic. This recipe will have you whipping up a dish that’s vibrant in flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make—perfect for sharing with friends or indulging on a cozy night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each brings its own special touch to the dish, from creamy texture to smoky depth and fresh brightness, making this recipe both unique and approachable.
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite long pasta, perfectly al dente to hold the creamy sauce.
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted: The hero of the sauce, providing unmatched creaminess.
- 2 cloves garlic: Adds a fragrant kick to balance the richness.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Adds a refreshing, zesty brightness that elevates the entire dish.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth to the avocado sauce.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Smooths and enriches the sauce for that perfect luscious mouthfeel.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and slight bite.
- 1 cup smoked beef strips, chopped: Brings a smoky, meaty element that complements the creamy avocado.
- 2 large eggs: Used to create the silky texture traditional to carbonara without scrambling.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Helps in adjusting the sauce consistency, making it perfectly smooth and clingy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh herbaceous note and bright color.
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving): A final flourish of cheesy goodness to complete the dish.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente so it’s tender but still holds a pleasant bite. Don’t forget to scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy water will help you achieve that silky sauce later.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Sauce
While the pasta cooks, blend together the ripe avocados, fresh garlic, vibrant lemon juice, grated Parmesan, and olive oil in a food processor. Add salt and black pepper for seasoning. This smooth, creamy green sauce is the twist that makes this carbonara both indulgent and refreshing.
Step 3: Sauté the Smoked Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the smoked beef strips. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the beef is warmed through and slightly crisp around the edges. The smoky aroma will fill your kitchen and create that mouthwatering base for this dish. Once done, remove the skillet from heat.
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs
In a small bowl, beat the two large eggs until smooth with no streaks. These eggs are key for creating the luscious, velvety texture in your sauce without cooking into scrambled pieces.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Smoked Beef
Add your hot, drained pasta to the skillet with the smoked beef, making sure the heat is turned off to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step. Toss to mix and let the pasta soak up some of the smoky flavors.
Step 6: Add the Creamy Avocado Sauce and Eggs
Pour in the avocado sauce and toss again to coat every strand of pasta. Then immediately add the beaten eggs along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss the pasta continuously and gently—the residual heat will cook the eggs just enough to create a silky, rich sauce that clings beautifully without turning into scrambled eggs.
Step 7: Adjust Sauce Consistency
If your sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time, mixing after each addition until you reach the perfect creamy consistency. The sauce should be smooth, luscious, and light enough to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 8: Finish with Garnish
Top your creation with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese. These final touches add a pop of color and enhance the flavors with fresh and cheesy notes.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple but wonderful garnish that brings a touch of color and brightens every bite. Don’t skimp on the extra Parmesan either—it adds a sharp, salty crunch that perfectly balances the creaminess.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a light green salad with lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich sauce. Garlic bread or toasted baguette pairs beautifully, perfect for scooping up every last bit of that luscious avocado-carbonara goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, plate the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with edible flowers or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a gourmet touch. Alternatively, serve it family-style in a large bowl for an inviting, communal feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe quickly and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 2 days for maximum freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This pasta is not ideal for freezing because the avocado sauce can separate and turn bitter. Fresh is definitely best with this recipe.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out the pasta. Microwaving on low power in short increments also works well if you stir between intervals.
FAQs
Is the avocado sauce safe to eat with raw eggs?
Yes! The residual heat from the freshly cooked pasta gently cooks the eggs as you toss, creating a safe, silky sauce similar to traditional carbonara with no risk of scrambling.
Can I use a different type of smoked meat?
Absolutely! Smoked bacon, pancetta, or even smoked turkey strips work wonderfully and add their own unique flavor profile to this creamy avocado carbonara.
How ripe should the avocados be?
Choose avocados that are soft to the touch but not mushy. Perfectly ripe ones blend smoothly into a creamy sauce without any lumps or bitterness.
Can I make this vegan?
For a vegan twist, swap the eggs with a plant-based thickener like silken tofu or cashew cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The smoked beef can be replaced with smoked mushrooms or seitan strips.
What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe?
Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine holds the creamy sauce best, but feel free to experiment with your favorite shape. Just cook it al dente to keep the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
The Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe is a dazzling fusion of comfort and sophistication you’ll want to make again and again. It’s deceptively simple but packed with layers of flavor and texture that truly deliver on every bite. Invite friends, pour a glass of wine, and indulge in this unforgettable pasta dish that feels special yet so wonderfully approachable. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to find a permanent spot on your weeknight rotation.
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Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef is a delicious twist on the classic Italian pasta. It features a smooth avocado-based sauce combined with tender smoked beef strips and traditional carbonara elements like eggs and Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this rich yet fresh dish offers a perfect balance of creamy texture and smoky flavors, making it an easy and satisfying meal for four.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Avocado Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Protein and Eggs
- 1 cup smoked beef strips, chopped
- 2 large eggs
Others
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, blend the avocados, garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Sauté Smoked Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the smoked beef strips for 2–3 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp. Remove the skillet from heat.
- Beat Eggs: Whisk the eggs in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the hot drained pasta to the skillet with the smoked beef (with heat off). Stir in the prepared avocado sauce and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Eggs and Pasta Water: Immediately pour in the beaten eggs and a splash of the reserved pasta water, tossing continuously to create a silky sauce without scrambling the eggs.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Add more reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, to loosen and smooth out the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Notes
- Be sure to reserve some pasta water as its starchiness helps create a creamy sauce consistency.
- When adding the beaten eggs to the pasta, keep the heat off to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- You can substitute smoked beef strips with pancetta or bacon for a different flavor profile.
- Use ripe but firm avocados for a smooth, creamy sauce texture without bitterness.
- This dish is best served immediately for optimal creaminess and flavor.
