A creamy and delightful dish, Avocado Carbonara is a fresh take on the classic pasta recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it’s also a healthier option that everyone will enjoy. This unique pasta dish combines the rich texture of avocados with the savory elements of turkey bacon and cheese, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Texture: The avocados create a silky smooth sauce that coats each noodle perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from avocados and kale, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
- Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course or side dish, it can complement various meals.
- Kid-Friendly: With its delicious flavors, even picky eaters will love this avocado carbonara.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious avocado carbonara.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating a smooth avocado sauce that blends all ingredients seamlessly.
- Large Pot: Needed to cook the linguini noodles evenly for that perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: Useful for draining the pasta while reserving the important pasta water.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb Linguini Noodles
For the Sauce
- 2 Avocados (pit removed and peeled)
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 large leaves of Kale
- 3-4 cloves Garlic
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Lemon Juice
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- Pinch Cayenne
For Serving
- 1 cup Pasta Water (reserved)
- 4-5 slices Turkey Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
How to Make Avocado Carbonara
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously and add your linguini noodles. Boil until al dente, ensuring to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Sauce
While your pasta cooks, place the avocados, egg yolks, kale leaves, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Combine Pasta Water
Once drained, add reserved hot pasta water into the blender with your avocado mixture. Turn on low and blend until all ingredients are mixed well.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
Pour the creamy avocado sauce over your cooked linguini noodles in a mixing bowl. Stir gently to ensure all noodles are fully coated with the sauce.
Step 5: Add Final Touches
Sprinkle in crumbled turkey bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. Serve immediately for best taste!
How to Serve Avocado Carbonara
Avocado Carbonara is a creamy and delicious pasta dish that pairs well with various sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
Fresh Salad
- A side of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich carbonara.
Garlic Bread
- Serve warm, crusty garlic bread for a great way to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Grilled Vegetables
- Charred seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers provide a smoky flavor that complements the pasta.
Roasted Cherry Tomatoes
- Sweet roasted cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor and color, making the dish more vibrant.
Lemon Wedges
- A squeeze of fresh lemon enhances the flavors in the avocado carbonara, adding brightness to each bite.
How to Perfect Avocado Carbonara
To make your Avocado Carbonara truly unforgettable, consider these helpful tips.
Use ripe avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a smooth and creamy sauce.
Reserve enough pasta water: Storing about one cup of pasta water is crucial for achieving the right sauce consistency.
Blend thoroughly: Blend your avocado sauce until completely smooth for the best texture.
Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before mixing it with the pasta. Adjust salt, lemon juice, or spices as needed.
Serve immediately: For optimal creaminess, serve the dish right after combining the pasta and avocado sauce.
Best Side Dishes for Avocado Carbonara
Pairing side dishes with Avocado Carbonara can enhance your dining experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious and crunchy contrast.
Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes create a bright and flavorful addition.
Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad with cucumbers and bell peppers adds extra nutrition.
Roasted Asparagus: Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze makes an elegant side.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet touch that balances the creaminess of the pasta.
Cucumber Raita: A cool cucumber raita can help offset the richness of the avocado carbonara.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Avocado Carbonara is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some tips to ensure your preparation goes smoothly.
Bold Ingredient Substitutions: Using the wrong ingredients can alter the flavor and texture. Stick to fresh avocados and avoid substitutes that may not blend well, like overripe avocados.
Bold Ignoring Pasta Water: Many forget to reserve pasta water. This starchy liquid helps create a creamy sauce, so always set aside a cup before draining the noodles.
Bold Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking pasta too long leads to mushy noodles. Aim for al dente, which adds a perfect texture to your Avocado Carbonara.
Bold Not Blending Enough: A smooth sauce is key. Make sure to blend the avocado mixture until it’s creamy and free of lumps for the best mouthfeel.
Bold Skipping Seasoning: Some might overlook seasoning, which is essential for flavor. Be generous with salt and spices like paprika and cayenne for a delicious kick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Avocado Carbonara
- Freezing is not recommended due to the avocados’ texture changes.
- If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month (note that quality may diminish).
Reheating Avocado Carbonara
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each interval until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat while stirring, adding extra olive oil or reserved pasta water if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Avocado Carbonara that can help you get started!
How do I make Avocado Carbonara healthier?
You can lower calories by using less olive oil or cheese. Adding more leafy greens like spinach can also boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I use other types of pasta for Avocado Carbonara?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute linguini with whole wheat, gluten-free, or any pasta shape you prefer while keeping cooking times in mind.
What To Serve With Avocado Carbonara?
Pair it with a refreshing salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread also complements this dish beautifully!
How To Make Avocado Carbonara vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, replace egg yolks with flax eggs and omit cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheesy alternative.
Can I prepare Avocado Carbonara ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the avocado sauce ahead of time and mix it with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
Avocado Carbonara is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Avocado Carbonara
Avocado Carbonara is a delightful twist on a classic pasta dish, blending creamy avocados with savory turkey bacon for a fresh and healthy meal. This unique recipe is perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, offering a silky sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle. Packed with nutrients from avocados and kale, this dish not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or alongside your favorite sides, Avocado Carbonara is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb Linguini Noodles
- 2 ripe Avocados (peeled and pitted)
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 large Kale leaves
- 3–4 cloves Garlic
- ¼ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 ½ tablespoons Lemon Juice
- Salt and spices (Paprika, Cayenne)
- 4–5 slices Turkey Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ⅓ cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Cook the linguini noodles in boiling salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a blender, combine avocados, egg yolks, kale leaves, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne. Blend until smooth.
- Add reserved pasta water to the blender and blend again until well mixed.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles with the avocado sauce until fully coated.
- Stir in crumbled turkey bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling/Blending
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 103mg
Keywords: Ensure avocados are ripe for optimal creaminess. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving. For added nutrition, consider incorporating other vegetables like spinach or peas.
