Creamy Avocado and Gouda Cheese Pasta
Try this Creamy Avocado and Gouda Cheese Pasta recipe.
Try this Creamy Avocado and Gouda Cheese Pasta recipe.
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 pound fettuccine pasta
- 1/2 cup milk or plain almond milk (i used skim milk)
- 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 2 medium size ripe avocado's (pitted and removed from skin
- 3/4 cup mediterranean gouda or gouda cheese (finely shred
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped plus more for garnish)
- crushed red pepper flakes (for serving (optional)
- Carbohydrate 264.736824113539 g
- Cholesterol 331.1224301 mg
- Fat 87.9892045755414 g
- Fiber 4.30080005285188 g
- Protein 67.1437570601236 g
- Saturated Fat 7.04769897829632 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (572g)
- Sodium 194.732589118584 mg
- Sugar 260.436024060687 g
- Trans Fat 15.511540098496 g
- Calories 2077 calories
Step-by-step
- Bring several cups of water to a boil in a medium sized pot.
- Add your pasta and cook according to package directions.
- Reserve a large coffee cup of the pasta water before draining. (Note that the pasta does not continue to cook in the sauce, so cook until desired doneness)
- Meanwhile, make the sauce by placing the avocado, garlic and lemon juice into a food processor.
- Process until smooth. Make sure there are no longer any chunks of avocado, and then add the milk and process again until smooth.
- Add in the basil, cheese and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Process until smooth and creamy and you no longer see any cheese shreds. You want the sauce to be as smooth as possible.
- When pasta is done cooking (don't forget to reserve some of the cooking water), drain in a strainer and place the pasta into a large serving bowl.
- Pour on the sauce, add toasted pine nuts and toss until fully combined.
- Add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin the sauce a bit.
- Garnish with fresh basil, crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper.
- Serve immediately.
Creamy Avocado and Gouda Pasta: A Weeknight Delight
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Often, after a long day of meetings and managing the kids, the last thing I want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I love recipes that are both quick and impressive, and this Creamy Avocado and Gouda Pasta fits the bill perfectly. It's ready in under 30 minutes, and it feels luxurious and special enough to impress even the pickiest eaters (including my husband!).
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The creamy avocado sauce is surprisingly rich and flavorful, perfectly complementing the nutty Gouda cheese and the delicate taste of fresh basil. The toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch, offering a textural contrast to the smooth, creamy pasta. I often find myself making a double batch – it's that good!
Why this recipe works for busy weeknights:
- Speed: The entire recipe, from start to finish, takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Simplicity: The ingredient list is short and easy to manage. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it a great recipe for those days when a trip to the store isn't feasible.
- Flexibility: Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or cheeses. You can substitute the milk with almond milk or even cream for a richer sauce. The recipe is forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.
- Healthy-ish: This pasta dish manages to feel indulgent without being overly heavy. The healthy fats from the avocado keep you full and satisfied, making it a more wholesome alternative to many other creamy pasta options.
Serving suggestions and variations:
- Add protein: To make this a complete meal, you could add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a touch of heat. You could also experiment with different herbs and spices to personalize the dish to your liking.
- Make it vegetarian/vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian. To make it vegan, simply ensure you use a plant-based milk alternative.
- Prep ahead: You can prep the ingredients in advance, such as chopping the basil, toasting the pine nuts and shredding the cheese. This significantly cuts down cooking time on a busy weeknight.
This Creamy Avocado and Gouda Pasta recipe has quickly become a staple in our household. It’s a go-to when I need a quick, healthy, and impressive dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s the kind of recipe that brings joy to my week, not just because of the amazing taste but because it allows me to nurture my family with something delicious without sacrificing valuable time. And that, in the life of a busy working mom, is priceless.
So, next time you're looking for a delicious and easy weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try. I'm confident it will quickly become a favorite in your home as well.
