Veggie Smuggler Avocado Pasta (Printable)

Creamy avocado sauce with zucchini and spinach hides vegetables in a quick, healthy pasta dish ready in 30 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz whole wheat or regular spaghetti or linguine

→ Avocado Sauce

02 - 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
03 - 1 small zucchini, roughly chopped
04 - 1 cup baby spinach (30 g)
05 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (15 g)
06 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
07 - 2 cloves garlic
08 - 1/4 cup olive oil (60 ml)
09 - 3-4 tbsp unsweetened plant-based milk or dairy milk
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Hidden Veggies

11 - 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed (100 g)
12 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed (70 g)

→ Garnish

13 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegan alternative (25 g)
14 - Chopped fresh basil (optional)
15 - Lemon zest (optional)

# Steps:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
02 - While the pasta cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
03 - In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, zucchini, spinach, basil, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and 3 tbsp milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding more milk if needed for a silky sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
04 - In a large mixing bowl, toss the hot drained pasta with the avocado sauce, broccoli, and peas. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta well.
05 - Serve immediately, topped with Parmesan cheese, extra basil, and a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce is impossibly creamy without a drop of cream, letting the avocado do all the heavy lifting while you take all the credit
  • Kids and veggie skeptics will never suspect theyre eating zucchini, spinach, and broccoli disguised as something indulgent
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those weeknights when you need something wholesome but have zero energy
02 -
  • The sauce will continue to thicken as it sits, so do not be afraid to add more pasta water or milk to get it back to that silky consistency
  • Avocado sauce is best enjoyed immediately because it does oxidize and turn brownish over time
  • The frozen peas should be completely thawed before adding them, or they will cool down your pasta too quickly
03 -
  • Blend the sauce longer than you think you need to, because that ultra-smooth texture is what makes it feel so luxurious
  • Save extra pasta water even if you think you will not need it, because it is the secret to perfectly coated, glossy pasta

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