If you love vibrant, fresh flavors mingled in a luscious, velvety sauce, then you’re absolutely going to adore this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe. It’s the perfect combination of smooth avocado, zesty lemon, and spicy serrano, all wrapped around your favorite pasta. The burst of juicy cherry tomatoes and peppery arugula adds an incredible freshness that makes every bite sing. Whether you’re craving a quick weekday dinner or a charming dish to impress friends, this recipe delivers on all fronts with warmth and simplicity.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe shines because of its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element is essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, or that gorgeous pop of color that makes your plate irresistible.
- Ripe avocados: Provide the creamy, buttery base that makes this sauce absolutely dreamy.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh herbal brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Hemp seeds: Bring a subtle nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the sauce with a gentle pungency that deepens the flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Offers zesty acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
- Cream cheese: Adds a silky smooth texture and slight tang to the sauce.
- Serrano chili: Gives just the right amount of heat to keep the palate excited.
- Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings that enhance and marry all the flavors.
- Milk or reserved pasta water: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruitiness that rounds out the sauce.
- Your choice of pasta: Pick your favorite type to hold that luscious sauce—spaghetti, penne, or even gluten-free!
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness for excellent contrast.
- Baby arugula: Provides fresh peppery greens that add lovely texture and color.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cooking your pasta until al dente is key for achieving the ideal bite and texture. Before draining, be sure to save about a cup of the pasta water—that’s your secret weapon to effortlessly thin out the creamy sauce later, making it silky and glossy without losing flavor.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Avocado Sauce
While your pasta cooks, toss all the sauce ingredients into a blender: ripe avocado, fresh cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic, tangy lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili for a touch of spice, salt, black pepper, your chosen milk or reserved pasta water, and olive oil. Blend them until the mixture is smooth, velvety, and rich. This thick, luscious sauce will coat each pasta strand beautifully, creating a luscious indulgence that still feels light and fresh.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is drained, return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the warm noodles and toss everything together. Don’t hesitate to add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. This step ensures every bite is perfectly coated with that silky, luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Fold in Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula
Gently fold the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh baby arugula into the pasta. The warmth of the noodles slightly softens the greens, easing them in without wilting. The tomatoes add bursts of juicy sweetness while the arugula brings a peppery kick that brightens the whole dish.
Step 5: Serve It Up!
Dish out the pasta onto plates or bowls and finish with a sprinkle of hemp seeds for extra texture and a final grind of black pepper. A drizzle of olive oil elevates the flavors even further. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting yet fresh delight of this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair and flavor, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts on top to add a satisfying crunch. Fresh basil leaves can give an aromatic lift and a touch of refined green, while a shower of grated Parmesan or vegan cheese amps up the richness. A few chili flakes also pair wonderfully for anyone who loves a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty meal by itself but pairs beautifully with light sides like a crisp mixed green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to sop up any leftover creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables such as zucchini or asparagus make an elegant, nutrient-packed accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual dinner party, consider serving the pasta family-style in a large rustic bowl with extra sauce on the side. For a more polished presentation, twirl portions onto each plate using tongs for those perfect pasta nests, topped with the brightest cherry tomato halves and scattered arugula leaves for a touch of whimsy and sophistication.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep in mind avocado-based sauces might darken slightly after a day, but the flavors will still be vibrant and delicious.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is not recommended because avocados tend to change texture and turn grainy after thawing. For the freshest taste, enjoy the pasta fresh or within a couple of days stored in the fridge.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave at low power, adding a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. This method keeps the pasta creamy without drying out or separating the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Absolutely! Baby spinach, watercress, or even tender kale work beautifully as alternatives. They each provide their own unique flavor and texture while maintaining that fresh, green component the dish needs.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
You can easily veganize this recipe by swapping the cream cheese for a plant-based version and making sure the pasta you use is egg-free. This keeps the sauce creamy and satisfying without any animal products.
What type of pasta works best?
This recipe is very versatile — long strands like spaghetti or fettuccine are classic choices, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni also hold the sauce well. Choose what you love or have on hand!
How spicy is the dish with serrano chili?
The serrano chili adds a mild to moderate heat that gently tickles your palate without overwhelming the other flavors. You can adjust the amount or remove the seeds if you prefer it less spicy.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
You can blend the avocado sauce up to a few hours ahead and refrigerate it, but add the lemon juice last to help prevent browning. Give it a quick stir before tossing with the pasta for the freshest taste and color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels indulgent, fresh, and effortless all at once. Once you try it, you’ll find it popping up regularly on your menu, perfect for a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch with loved ones. Dive in and enjoy the harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, peppery, and sweet notes—all in one beautiful bowl.
Print
Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy avocado pasta recipe offers a luscious, dairy-infused sauce made from ripe avocados, cream cheese, and hemp seeds, blended to silky perfection. Enhanced with fresh cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of serrano chili for mild heat, it’s tossed with al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, and peppery baby arugula. Quick to prepare and perfect as a wholesome, flavorful meal for four, this vibrant dish balances fresh ingredients and creamy textures for a satisfying vegetarian pasta experience.
Ingredients
Avocado Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup (8 g) cilantro
- ¼ cup (50 g) hemp seeds
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 lemon, juiced
- ½ cup (114 g) cream cheese
- 1 serrano chili, or to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup (118 ml) milk of choice (or reserved pasta water to thin sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Toppings
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta of your choice
- ½ pint (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups (40 g) baby arugula or greens of your choice
- Hemp seeds, for topping
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Prepare the avocado sauce: In a blender, combine the avocados, cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic, lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili, black pepper, salt, milk (or reserved pasta water), and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot or place in a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta and toss well to ensure all noodles are evenly coated. Use reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, glossy sauce consistency.
- Add fresh vegetables: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby arugula (or other greens). Toss until they are evenly distributed and slightly wilted by the warmth of the pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with extra hemp seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and an additional drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use plant-based milk.
- Adjust the serrano chili amount to control the level of heat in the sauce.
- Reserved pasta water helps to thin the sauce and create a glossy texture.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra flavor variations.
- This pasta is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture and fresh greens.
