If you’re craving a dish that feels like a hug from the inside out, this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors and a luxuriously silky sauce, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and zesty, pairing the buttery richness of avocado with the bright pop of cherry tomatoes and the peppery bite of arugula. This dish is a total game-changer for pasta lovers looking to enjoy something fresh, wholesome, and absolutely delicious in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly magical about this recipe is how simple and fresh the ingredients are, yet each plays a crucial role in crafting the overall taste, texture, and color. From the creamy avocado base to the zingy lemon juice and spicy serrano chili, every component brings something special to the table.
- 2 ripe avocados: The creamy foundation that gives this pasta its luscious texture and subtle, buttery flavor.
- ½ cup (8 g) cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous brightness that lifts the sauce beautifully.
- ¼ cup (50 g) hemp seeds: Provides a gentle nuttiness and a slight crunch as well as a nutrient boost.
- 2 cloves garlic: Infuses a gentle pungency that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Essential for adding a refreshing acidity that cuts through the richness.
- ½ cup (114 g) cream cheese: Amplifies creaminess and keeps the sauce silky smooth.
- 1 serrano chili, or to taste: Brings just the right amount of gentle heat to balance flavors.
- Black pepper, to taste: Adds subtle spice and warmth.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- ½ cup (118 ml) milk of choice (or reserved pasta water): Used to thin the sauce to your perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Contributes a fruity richness to the blend and helps create a glossy finish.
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta of your choice: The comforting vehicle that carries all these flavors perfectly.
- ½ pint (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweet and tart freshness.
- 2 cups (40 g) baby arugula or greens of your choice: Offers a peppery, crisp contrast and a lovely vibrant green pop.
- Hemp seeds, for topping: A final sprinkle for texture and a pretty garnish.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Adding salt here is key—it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your pasta of choice until al dente, making sure it’s tender but still with a bit of bite. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the pasta water; this liquid magic will help you adjust the sauce consistency later on and give it that lovely silky texture.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
In a blender, combine the ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili for some heat, black pepper, salt, your chosen milk or reserved pasta water, and olive oil. Blend everything until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and luscious. This step is where the magic happens – the silky sauce comes to life, packed with flavor and wonderful creaminess without any heavy cream.
Step 3: Mix Pasta and Sauce
Return your perfectly cooked pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over it and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring that every strand or piece of pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water, stirring until it achieves a lovely glossy, smooth coat on the noodles that makes you want to dig in immediately.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Now fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and the baby arugula (or your preferred greens). The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the greens, softening their peppery bite just enough while the tomatoes keep their juicy pop. This step adds fantastic texture and a colorful, fresh vibrancy to the dish that makes it truly special.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your creamy avocado pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with an extra sprinkle of hemp seeds, a pinch of black pepper for a touch more spice, and an additional drizzle of olive oil if you want that little extra gloss and richness. Serve right away while it’s warm and the flavors are at their peak.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few delicate garnishes can take this dish from lovely to unforgettable. Freshly chopped herbs like extra cilantro or basil can amplify the freshness, while a light sprinkling of toasted pine nuts or a grating of Parmesan adds a delightful contrast. Don’t forget a few hemp seeds on top for texture and that charming rustic look.
Side Dishes
This creamy avocado pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, simple sides that don’t overpower. Think a tangy mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some garlic roasted vegetables that echo the pasta’s garlicky notes. For a heartier meal, a crusty artisan bread works beautifully to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests or spice up your meal routine, serve this pasta in broad shallow bowls garnished artistically with halved cherry tomatoes across the top and gentle swirls of olive oil. For a fresh twist, try serving it cold as a light summer pasta salad, letting the flavors meld overnight for an easy, vibrant picnic or lunchbox meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and honestly, that’s a rare occasion), store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the sauce is avocado-based, it can brown a bit, so squeezing a little extra lemon juice on top before sealing will help preserve its bright green color. Eat within 1-2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy avocado pasta isn’t ideal because avocados can change texture and become watery or grainy when thawed. For the best results, avoid freezing this dish. Instead, consider making the sauce separately and freezing it in small portions to blend fresh with cooked pasta when you’re ready.
Reheating
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. You might want to add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy, smooth consistency as it warms up.
FAQs
Can I use other greens instead of arugula?
Absolutely! Baby spinach, kale, or even watercress can be great substitutes. Just remember that some greens have stronger flavors and textures, so adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
With a small tweak, yes! Replace the cream cheese with a vegan alternative and choose plant-based milk to keep it dairy-free and vegan, while maintaining that creamy texture and flavor.
How spicy is this dish with the serrano chili?
The serrano chili adds a mild to medium heat level that gently awakens your taste buds without overpowering the dish. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount or remove the seeds before blending.
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Definitely! This recipe is versatile and works wonderfully with any pasta shape you love—spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.
What’s the best way to pick ripe avocados?
Choose avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure without feeling mushy. They should have a rich, dark skin color and feel heavy for their size. This ensures optimal creaminess for the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve discovered the magic of the Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try soon. It’s fresh, comforting, and bursting with flavor—a dish that somehow manages to feel indulgent while staying light and vibrant. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to wow your taste buds without fuss. Trust me, once you make this, it will become one of your favorite go-to meals.
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: Fusion, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Avocado Pasta is a deliciously smooth and nutritious dish combining ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, and a touch of cream cheese for a luscious sauce. The pasta is tossed with a vibrant sauce made in a blender, then gently mixed with cherry tomatoes and baby arugula for freshness and a light peppery bite. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal that’s both creamy and healthful.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta of your choice
- Salt, to taste (for pasta water)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup (8 g) fresh 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
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Add-ins and Garnish
- 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 of your choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta, then set the pasta aside.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili, black pepper, salt, milk (or reserved pasta water), and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and well incorporated.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat all noodles evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to achieve a silky, glossy sauce consistency that clings well to the pasta.
- Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby arugula (or other greens) into the pasta. Toss until they are evenly distributed and the arugula wilts slightly from the residual heat.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the creamy avocado pasta to serving plates or bowls. Top each serving with extra hemp seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and an optional drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while still warm for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use the reserved pasta water to thin out the sauce for your desired consistency.
- Adjust the serrano chili to control the heat level depending on your preference.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative and use plant-based milk.
- Fresh herbs other than cilantro, such as basil or parsley, can be used to change the flavor profile.
- This sauce can also be enjoyed cold as a pasta salad dressing.
