Avocado Carbonara

A dish that combines creamy texture and vibrant flavors, Avocado Carbonara is the perfect meal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners. This unique pasta dish stands out with its creamy avocado sauce, making it a healthier alternative to traditional carbonara. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe promises satisfaction for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
• Creamy Texture: The avocados create a rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, making every bite indulgent.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats from avocados and vitamins from kale, this dish is as good for you as it is delicious.
• Versatile Option: Perfect as a main course or a side dish, Avocado Carbonara works wonderfully for parties, potlucks, or family meals.
• Kid-Friendly Flavor: Its mild yet flavorful profile makes it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Blender or Food Processor
• Large Pot
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cooking Spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Blender or Food Processor: Essential for creating the smooth avocado sauce that gives this dish its creamy consistency.
• Large Pot: Needed for boiling the linguini noodles to al dente perfection without overcrowding.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements ensure your flavors are balanced and your recipe turns out great every time.

Ingredients

A quick, unique, extra creamy and healthy pasta that is perfect for summer and everyone is sure to love!

For the Pasta

• 1 lb Linguini Noodles

For the Avocado 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 Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)

How to Make Avocado Carbonara

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt generously before adding the linguini noodles. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Prepare the Avocado Sauce

While the pasta is cooking:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine the avocados, egg yolks, kale leaves, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne.
2. Blend until smooth.

Step 3: Combine with Pasta Water

Once you have reserved the pasta water:
1. With the blender running on low speed, slowly add hot pasta water until smooth consistency is achieved.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Pour the avocado sauce over the cooked linguine noodles:
1. Stir thoroughly to fully combine.
2. Add in crumbled Turkey Bacon and shredded Parmesan cheese.
3. Stir well again and serve immediately.

Now you have a delicious plate of Avocado Carbonara ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Avocado Carbonara

Avocado Carbonara is a deliciously creamy pasta dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or add a touch of flair, here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Fresh Side Salad

• A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the creamy avocado carbonara.

Garlic Bread

• Crunchy garlic bread adds texture and is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

Grilled Vegetables

• Serve alongside grilled seasonal vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a colorful and nutritious addition.

Lemon Wedges

• A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the dish enhances the flavors and offers a bright contrast to the richness of the carbonara.

Avocado Slices

• Fresh avocado slices on top can amplify the creamy texture and provide an extra boost of flavor.

How to Perfect Avocado Carbonara

To achieve the best avocado carbonara, follow these helpful tips for a smooth and flavorful dish.

• Use ripe avocados – Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for a creamy sauce that blends easily.
• Reserve pasta water – Keep some pasta water handy, as it helps adjust the sauce’s consistency without losing flavor.
• Blend thoroughly – Blend the avocado sauce until it’s completely smooth to avoid any lumps in your dish.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste the sauce before mixing it with pasta; feel free to add more salt or lemon juice as needed.
• Serve immediately – For the best texture and taste, serve the avocado carbonara right after mixing it with noodles.

Best Side Dishes for Avocado Carbonara

Complement your avocado carbonara with these delightful side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus adds crunch and vibrant color to your meal.
3. Quinoa Salad – A hearty quinoa salad mixed with vegetables provides protein and fiber while being light on calories.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or quinoa make for an eye-catching side that’s full of flavor.
5. Cucumber Salad – A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar offers a refreshing palate cleanser between bites of creamy pasta.
6. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil makes for a flavorful appetizer before diving into your main course.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes while making Avocado Carbonara can enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using unripe avocados: Unripe avocados can lead to a chunky sauce. Always choose ripe avocados for a creamy texture.
• Neglecting to reserve pasta water: Skipping this step can result in a dry dish. Always save some pasta water before draining it to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
• Overcooking the pasta: Overcooked linguini becomes mushy and loses its bite. Cook until al dente for the best results.
• Not blending long enough: A short blend results in an uneven sauce. Ensure you blend until completely smooth for a luxurious finish.
• Skipping seasonings: Lack of seasoning can make your dish bland. Don’t forget salt, paprika, and cayenne for a flavorful kick.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Ensure the pasta is cooled down before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Avocado Carbonara

• Freeze the dish in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• It’s best to freeze without the turkey bacon and cheese added; add these fresh when reheating.

Reheating Avocado Carbonara

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over low heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Avocado Carbonara?

Avocado Carbonara is a creamy pasta dish that uses avocados instead of traditional carbonara ingredients, creating a healthy twist on classic flavors.

How do I make Avocado Carbonara vegan?

To make Avocado Carbonara vegan, replace egg yolks with silken tofu or a plant-based alternative and omit cheese or use nutritional yeast.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! While linguini is traditional, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape like spaghetti or penne for your Avocado Carbonara.

How can I customize my Avocado Carbonara?

You can customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini, using different cheeses, or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to make Avocado Carbonara?

This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Final Thoughts

Avocado Carbonara offers a refreshing take on traditional pasta dishes with its creamy avocado sauce. It’s versatile and allows room for customization based on your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delicious meal that’s both healthy and satisfying!