If you are craving a dish that feels both indulgent and refreshingly light, this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It brings together the silky smoothness of avocado blended into a luscious sauce, burst-in-your-mouth cherry tomatoes, and peppery arugula for a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant meal to impress friends, this recipe effortlessly combines wholesome ingredients with simple techniques to create a pasta dish that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen not only for flavor but also for its texture and color, creating a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at.
- 2 ripe avocados: They provide the creamy base that makes the sauce silky without any heaviness.
- ½ cup cilantro (8 g): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the overall flavor.
- ¼ cup hemp seeds (50 g): Boosts the nutty flavor and adds a subtle crunch all while being packed with nutrients.
- 2 cloves garlic: Offers a punch of savory depth that balances the creaminess.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Lemon juice brightens and lifts the richness of the avocado sauce perfectly.
- ½ cup cream cheese (114 g): Adds richness and helps achieve that wonderfully smooth texture.
- 1 serrano chili, or to taste: Brings gentle heat and a lively kick.
- Black pepper, to taste: A simple seasoning that enhances other flavors.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for balancing and accentuating all ingredients.
- ½ cup milk of choice (118 ml) or reserved pasta water: Thins the sauce to a velvety consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a silky finish and richness to the sauce.
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta: Pick your favorite type – spaghetti, penne, or fusilli all work wonderfully.
- ½ pint cherry tomatoes, halved (237 ml): These tiny bursts of sweetness contrast beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups baby arugula or greens of your choice (40 g): Adds a peppery, fresh bite and color to brighten the dish.
- Extra hemp seeds for topping: A lovely way to finish with texture and a nutty flavor.
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 boiling point. Add your preferred pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package until it’s perfectly al dente — tender but with a little bite. Don’t forget to save about a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is a secret ingredient that helps achieve that smooth, glossy sauce texture later on.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Sauce
While the pasta cooks, gather your avocados, cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic, lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili, black pepper, salt, milk (or reserved pasta water), and olive oil. Toss everything into a blender and whirl it until absolutely smooth and irresistibly creamy. This step is where your sauce transforms into a luscious, rich coating that embraces each pasta strand perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the warm, drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour your creamy avocado sauce over it, then toss gently but thoroughly until every noodle is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water little by little until the consistency becomes silky and just right.
Step 4: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh baby arugula. The warmth of the pasta will softly wilt the greens just enough to meld their peppery flavor without losing that delightful crispness, while the tomatoes add a juicy pop with every bite.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your pasta to beautiful serving bowls or plates. For an extra touch, sprinkle a handful of hemp seeds on top, crack a little fresh black pepper, and drizzle a bit more olive oil if you like a glossy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy this dish at its creamy, fresh best.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of hemp seeds adds delightful crunch and a subtle nuttiness, while a few shavings of Parmesan or a twist of lemon zest can add brightness and complexity. Fresh basil leaves would also complement the dish beautifully, adding another layer of herbaceous aroma.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some crusty garlic bread for a satisfying contrast in texture. A light cucumber salad or roasted vegetables can create a colorful and balanced meal alongside it.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in shallow bowls to showcase the vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes and arugula against the creamy sauce. Add edible flowers or microgreens for a special occasion touch that makes the dish pop visually. You could also plate individual portions on large white plates and sprinkle garnish artistically for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The avocado sauce may darken slightly, but a quick stir and a fresh squeeze of lemon will revive its color and freshness.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is generally not recommended because the avocado-based sauce may change texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored refrigerated for a short time instead.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving at high heat, which can cause the avocado sauce to separate and lose its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Spaghetti, penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta will work wonderfully. Just cook as usual and toss with the creamy avocado sauce for a delicious result.
Is this recipe vegan?
With a small adjustment, yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a vegan alternative or use extra avocado for creaminess. Make sure the pasta you choose doesn’t contain eggs, and you’ll have a vegan-friendly dish.
How spicy is the serrano chili in this recipe?
The serrano gives a subtle but noticeable heat that wakes up the flavors without overpowering the creaminess. You can adjust or omit it if you prefer a milder taste, or add more if you love some extra kick.
Can I make the sauce without a blender?
While using a blender gives the smoothest sauce, you can mash avocados by hand and finely chop cilantro, garlic, and chili to mix everything together. It won’t be as silky, but it will still taste delicious and have excellent texture.
What’s the best way to keep the avocado sauce from browning?
Using lemon juice in the sauce helps prevent browning, and serving the dish immediately keeps the avocado looking fresh. If storing leftovers, a quick stir with fresh lemon juice before serving will refresh the color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Arugula Recipe is a gem that you’ll want to keep in your regular dinner rotation. Its brilliant combination of creamy, fresh, spicy, and tangy flavors comes together so effortlessly, making mealtime feel like a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try — I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite dishes to make and share!
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 Dish
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy avocado pasta recipe combines ripe avocados, fresh herbs, and vibrant vegetables to create a luscious, dairy-rich sauce that coats perfectly cooked pasta. Quick to prepare and full of fresh flavors, this dish is a nutritious and satisfying meal ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces (454 g) pasta of your choice
Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados
- ½ cup (8 g) 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 to thin sauce)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables 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 your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the ripe avocados, cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic, 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 and creamy.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot or transfer to a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every noodle evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky and glossy sauce consistency.
- Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby arugula or your choice of greens. Toss carefully until the vegetables are evenly distributed and slightly wilted from the warmth of the pasta.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with extra hemp seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and an optional drizzle of olive oil. Serve immediately while warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- You can substitute milk with reserved pasta water to maintain the sauce’s consistency without adding extra dairy.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of serrano chili or removing seeds to reduce spiciness.
- This recipe works well with gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese and ensure milk is non-dairy.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and avoid the avocado sauce browning.
