Imagine a pasta dish that combines the silky smoothness of ripe avocados with the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon - a culinary masterpiece that will transform your dinner routine from ordinary to extraordinary! This Avocado Pasta with Basil and Bacon is not just a recipe; it's a flavor explosion that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress even the most discerning food lovers. In just 25 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that's both indulgent and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 4 strips bacon
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, place bacon strips in a cold skillet. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces.
- Peel and pit the ripe avocado. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado, minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Return the drained pasta to the pot.
- Pour the avocado sauce over the hot pasta, stirring gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired consistency.
- Plate the pasta and top with crumbled bacon pieces. Grate fresh Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips
- Choose a perfectly ripe avocado: Look for one that yields slightly to gentle pressure but isn't mushy.
- Save some pasta water before draining - it's liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce consistency!
- For extra flavor, use thick-cut bacon and cook it until it's perfectly crisp.
- Use fresh basil leaves for maximum flavor - avoid dried herbs if possible.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamiest texture and warmest temperature.
- If you want a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon or use less bacon.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon and add toasted pine nuts for crunch.
- Use a food processor or blender to get the smoothest possible avocado sauce.
- Season carefully - the bacon will add salt, so go easy on additional salt at first.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg
