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This avocado pesto pasta is deliciously creamy dairy-free pasta that’s made with avocado, arugula, basil, nutritional yeast, and gluten-free pasta.

A bowl of avocado pesto pasta.

Back when I first started to cook for myself when I was changing my diet, avocado pesto with gluten-free pasta was a favorite. It’s creamy, filling, and incredibly easy. Seriously this is the most simple pasta sauce you’re ever going to make, and it’s also packed with healthy fats and nutrients!

I’ve refined my recipe quite a bit from when I first started making this, and it’s just perfect! Serve it with your favorite pasta, and you have an easy and healthy dish.

The Ingredients for Avocado Pesto Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta. I pretty much always use the brand Jovial, but you can use whatever brand of pasta you prefer.
  • Avocado and Basil.
  • Arugula. You can use spinach also!
  • Nutritional Yeast. This adds a great cheesy flavor!
  • Garlic, Salt, and Pepper. 
  • Lemon and Olive Oil.

The ingredients for avocado pesto pasta.

How to make Avocado Pesto Pasta

  • Step 1. Cook and strain the pasta. Don’t forget to set aside about 1/3 cup of pasta water!
  • Step 2. Blend to make the pesto.

Blending ingredients for pesto in a blender.

  • Step 3. Toss the pasta with pesto to thoroughly coat.

A spoonful of avocado pesto pasta.

Tips & Tricks for Avocado Pesto Pasta

  • Don’t skip the pasta water! This is an important step for making the pesto thicker, and warming it up. You only need a little bit, but make sure to save it before you strain the pasta.
  • Add extra lemon if you’re saving leftovers. This will help the avocado from browning.

Can you make this recipe without nutritional yeast?

You can! The nutritional yeast makes it taste “cheesy”, so it will lack that flavor if you leave it out, but you’ll still get that great herby flavor.

Can you make this pesto with spinach instead of arugula?

Yes, spinach works in case you don’t have arugula on hand.

Can you make this recipe with grain-free pasta?

You definitely can use cassava pasta instead of gluten-free pasta!

A bowl of avocado pesto pasta.You’ll also like…

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Easy Avocado Pesto Pasta (Vegan & Gluten-Free)

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews
  • Author: Michelle
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

This avocado pesto pasta is deliciously creamy dairy-free pasta that’s made with avocado, arugula, basil, nutritional yeast, and gluten-free pasta.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz gluten-free (or grain-free) pasta
  • 1 avocado, halved and pitted
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1 cup basil
  • 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • Salt and Pepper to taste (omit pepper for AIP)
  • Juice half lemon
  • 3 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta as directed, and set aside about 1/3 cup of pasta water. Cook until al dente and strain.
  2. To make the pesto, add the avocado, arugula, basil, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt and pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, and pasta water to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Add the pesto to the cooked pasta and toss to thoroughly coat.
  4. Serve topped with additional fresh basil to taste.

Notes

Omit the nutritional yeast if desired for a less cheesy flavor. You can also use parmesan if tolerated.

All nutritional information are estimations and will vary.

  • Prep Time: 10
  • Cook Time: 15
  • Category: Main Dishes
  • Method: Stove Top
  • Cuisine: Italian Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 179
  • Fat: 9.9g
  • Carbohydrates: 24.1g
  • Fiber: 5.1g
  • Protein: 3.5g

Keywords: avocado pesto