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
Scale
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.
