Creamy Green Goodness Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado

Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado My Green Dream

By Emma PrescottSeptember 11, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever stared into the fridge, wondering what to cook? I get it! Today, let’s talk about Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado. It's quick, tasty, and packed with green goodness.

A Green Dream on a Plate

This isn’t just any Pasta with Pesto . Think of it as a Mediterranean getaway. It mixes Italian tradition with a healthy twist.

This Green Pasta Recipe uses fresh spinach and creamy avocado.

This vibrant dish hails from Italy. However, this version gets a California glow-up. This Easy Pesto Pasta Dinner is ready in under 30 minutes! It serves about 4 hungry people.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I make this at least once a week. It’s my go-to Quick Weeknight Pasta solution. The avocado adds healthy fats, making it a Healthy Pesto Pasta .

Plus, it's perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The star of the show is of course the Spinach Avocado Pasta Recipe .

Did you know that pesto is packed with antioxidants? And with the spinach and avocado, this dish is like a vitamin bomb.

I once served this at a picnic. Everyone raved about the freshness. It's become a real crowd pleaser. This Creamy Pesto Pasta recipe is special because it's so versatile.

Alright, let's talk ingredients and gear for this dreamy Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado . Honestly, the beauty of this dish is in its simplicity.

The fresher the ingredients, the better it'll taste. We're going for that chef's kiss level of flavour here.

Getting Your Greens On: Main Ingredients

So, for the pesto itself, you'll need:

2 cups (55g) fresh basil leaves. Look for bright green, perky leaves, yeah?
1/4 cup (25g) pine nuts, lightly toasted. Honestly, toasting them brings out the flavour, trust me.
2 cloves garlic, peeled. Go for fresh, plump cloves.
1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil. The good stuff makes a difference!
1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving. Freshly grated is always better!
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Bottled juice just doesn't have the same zing.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.

For the actual Pesto Pasta with Spinach part, you need:

1 pound (450g) pasta. Penne, fusilli, or linguine are all good choices.
5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped. Make sure it's nice and green.
1 ripe avocado , pitted and diced. You want it creamy, but not mushy.

Seasoning & Flavour Magic

This Easy Pesto Pasta Dinner is all about the pesto, so let's chat about the seasoning. We want that classic basil garlic combo.

A little lemon juice brightens everything up. A pinch of red pepper flakes? Totally optional, but adds a nice kick.

Spice it up! Salt and pepper are essential, obviously. But don’t underestimate them. Taste, adjust, and make it your own!

Quick swap? If you're out of pine nuts, try walnuts. They add a different flavour, but it totally works.

Gear Up! Essential Equipment

You don't need a fancy kitchen to nail this Quick Weeknight Pasta . Here's what you need:

A large pot for boiling pasta.
A colander for draining.
A food processor or blender. This is key for the pesto.
A large bowl.
A cutting board and chef’s knife.

No food processor? You can try making the pesto in a blender or even by hand. It'll be a bit chunkier, but still delicious.

Honestly, I’ve done it before and it tasted gorgeous!

So there you have it! All the ingredients and equipment you need to make this epic Creamy Pesto Pasta . Now, let’s get cooking! This Green Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favourite.

It is a superb Spinach Avocado Pasta Recipe and an excellent Healthy Pesto Pasta to add to your list. And, if you're feeling adventurous, this could be a great Avocado Recipe test before expanding your horizons!.

Cooking Method: Whirlwind Pesto Pasta Magic!

Right, let's talk about making Pesto Pasta with Spinach and avocado. Forget slaving away for hours. This is all about speed and flavour, innit? This Easy Pesto Pasta Dinner is ready quicker than you can say "Bob's your uncle!" I reckon roughly 27 minutes flat.

No kidding! My mate Sarah tried this last week and said the kids gobbled it up, spinach and all. Can you imagine!

Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Bits

Mise en place, my loves! That means getting everything ready before you start. Chop your 5 ounces spinach , dice your 1 ripe avocado .

Have your 1 pound pasta ready to go. This is crucial for time saving organization . It’s like getting your ducks in a row, you know? For the pesto, measure out 2 cups basil , 1/4 cup pine nuts , 2 cloves garlic , 1/4 cup olive oil , 1/4 cup Parmesan , and 1 tablespoon lemon juice .

Blimey, is that all?

step-by-step: From Zero to Hero

Boil 1 pound pasta until al dente, 8- 10 minutes . Salt that water like the sea. Trust me.
Whizz up your pesto. Basil , pine nuts , garlic , olive oil , Parmesan , lemon juice in a food processor. Boom!
Drain the pasta. Keep some of that pasta water ! That's liquid gold!
Toss the pasta with pesto. Add the spinach and avocado.
Add pasta water for that perfect, creamy consistency. Not too much, mind! Serve it immediately.

Pro Tips : Level Up Your Pasta Game

Toast your pine nuts. It unlocks the nutty flavour. Seriously. Use a dry pan for 3- 5 minutes . Watch them like a hawk; they burn easy!

Don’t overcook the spinach. It needs a little bit of wilting. You want it not be some bland mush. No one likes a soggy spinach!

This works great as a Quick Weeknight Pasta and even cold next day in a lunchbox. And don't forget healthy pesto pasta is what you're after, add grilled chicken or chickpeas, turn this into a super boosted Pesto Spinach delight.

The addition of avocado to this Pasta with Pesto recipe gives a fantastic creaminess that balances really well with the Green Pasta Recipe , especially with a generous twist of black pepper.

Spinach Avocado Pasta Recipe ? Now you're talking! You can even go mad and blend the avocado into the pesto itself to create an insane Avocado Recipe .

Now that's a Creamy Pesto Pasta the Italians wouldn't know about but would absolutely love.

Honestly, this Pesto Pasta with Spinach is so easy, it's practically foolproof. Give it a go! You won't regret it, and your family will thank you.

Recipe Notes for Your Creamy Green Goodness: Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado

Right, so you've got the recipe for Pesto Pasta with Spinach and , frankly, it's going to be epic. But, before you dive in, here are a few extra bits and bobs I’ve picked up along the way.

Think of them as cheeky little hacks to elevate your Easy Pesto Pasta Dinner . Honestly, cooking is all about having fun and not taking it too seriously, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Making It Look Swanky

Okay, let’s talk presentation. First, twirl that Pesto Pasta with Spinach like a pro. Use tongs! It makes you feel fancy.

Then, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, always. Honestly, who doesn't love more cheese? A few fresh basil leaves scattered on top? Chef's kiss.

Side wise, a simple green salad with lemon dressing works wonders. And if you're feeling really extra, a dollop of creamy ricotta.

For drinks, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc is lush, or even an Italian lemonade!

Storage Tips: Saving Some for Later (If There's Any!)

So, leftovers. If you're lucky enough to have any, pop them in an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for about 3 days .

Freezing isn't ideal with the avocado, as it can go a bit mushy. Reheating is easy just microwave it until it's piping hot or gently warm it in a pan.

If it's a bit dry, add a splash of water or milk to loosen it up. Don’t let it simmer for too long!

Variations: Making It Your Own

Fancy a change? No worries. For a vegan version, just swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast in the pesto.

It adds a cheesy flavour, believe it or not! And for a protein boost, chuck in some grilled chicken or chickpeas.

I love adding some red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick and I would suggest trying this Spinach Avocado Pasta Recipe using Kale or rocket! What about a Green Pasta Recipe using Courgette? It's worth to play around in the Kitchen and get something amazing and authentic!

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

This Healthy Pesto Pasta is packed with goodness. We're talking healthy fats from the avocado, vitamins from the spinach, and protein from the cheese and nuts.

It’s a good source of fiber too! Pasta with Pesto helps you get some carbs after a hard workout and it's simply delicious.

You know, everything in moderation! The estimated nutritional information per serving is about 550-650 calories. Protein is about 20g, fat about 35g, carbs about 60g, fiber about 8g, and sodium about 300mg.

These are just estimates, remember, so don't take it as gospel.

So, there you have it. A few extra tips to make your Quick Weeknight Pasta dinner even more amazing. Get in the kitchen and have some fun! Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and finding what works for you.

You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make pesto pasta with spinach and avocado ahead of time?

While the pesto itself can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the fridge (cover the surface with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning!), this dish is best enjoyed fresh. The avocado can brown and the spinach will wilt if left for too long. Think of it like a good cup of tea - best enjoyed immediately!

What other ingredients can I add to Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado?

This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Grilled chicken or shrimp add a protein boost. Sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers provide a delightful Mediterranean twist.

Feel free to experiment and find your perfect combo; just don't go adding beans to your full english!

How do I store leftover Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The avocado is likely to brown, so it's best to scoop it out before storing, or add a squeeze of lemon juice to what is left. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

It's not ideal for freezing - like a delicate soufflé, it won't be the same after thawing!

Is Pesto Pasta with Spinach and Avocado healthy?

Absolutely! This dish is packed with nutrients thanks to the spinach, avocado, and basil. Avocado provides healthy fats, spinach is a good source of vitamins and minerals, and pesto offers antioxidants. As with anything in life, eat in moderation.

Don't go having a whole bowl every night - unless you are running a marathon that is!

My pesto is too thick! How can I thin it out?

If your pesto is resembling something closer to cement than sauce, don't panic! Add a tablespoon or two of olive oil, or even better, some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. The pasta water has starch that helps it emulsify into a creamy sauce, so it's better than water!.

I don't have pine nuts. What can I substitute in this Pesto Pasta with Spinach and recipe?

No pine nuts, no problem! Walnuts or almonds make excellent substitutes in pesto. Toast them lightly before using to enhance their flavor. Sunflower seeds are also a good option if you have nut allergies. It's all about making do with what you have, innit?