This Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves quick, vibrant, and satisfying meals that don’t feel heavy. Imagine silky, dreamy avocado combined with a punch of bright lemon, the subtle heat from serrano chili, and the delightful burst of freshness from juicy cherry tomatoes—all tossed with perfectly al dente pasta and finished with crunchy, nutty hemp seeds. This dish is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a vibrant splash of color on your plate, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or impressing friends with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to bring a unique texture, flavor, or nutritional boost, making the final dish incredibly well-rounded and refreshing.
- 2 ripe avocados: The creamy base that makes this pasta luscious and smooth.
- ½ cup (8 g) cilantro: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous kick that brightens the sauce.
- ¼ cup (50 g) hemp seeds: Offers a rich, nutty flavor and a light crunch, plus a protein boost.
- 2 cloves garlic: Provides subtle pungency that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- 1 lemon, juiced: Infuses zesty brightness and prevents avocado browning.
- ½ cup (114 g) cream cheese: Contributes extra silkiness and a slightly tangy depth.
- 1 serrano chili, or to taste: Adds gentle heat that invigorates the dish.
- Black pepper, to taste: Enhances overall flavor with mild spiciness.
- Salt, to taste: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- ½ cup (118 ml) milk of choice (or reserved pasta water): Used to thin the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A touch of richness and smooth texture for the sauce.
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta of your choice: The hearty foundation for all the creamy goodness.
- ½ pint (237 ml) cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- 2 cups (40 g) baby arugula or greens of your choice: Adds a fresh, peppery note and a lovely leafy crunch.
- Hemp seeds, for topping: Adds a nutty garnish that completes the dish beautifully.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook until just al dente—this is key for perfect texture. Before draining, save about a cup of the starchy pasta water; this will come in handy for loosening the sauce later. Set the pasta aside and keep that reserved water close.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Avocado Sauce
Into your blender, toss the ripe avocados, fresh cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic cloves, freshly squeezed lemon juice, smooth cream cheese, serrano chili, black pepper, salt, milk (or some reserved pasta water), and olive oil. Blend everything together until you get a perfectly smooth, creamy, and luscious sauce—with the kind of texture that makes you want to dive right in.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to the pot or transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce all over the noodles and toss gently but thoroughly, making sure every strand gets an even coating. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of that reserved pasta water to bring it to a silky, glossy perfection.
Step 4: Add Fresh Cherry Tomatoes and Greens
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby arugula. The warmth of the pasta will slightly wilt the greens, softening their peppery bite while keeping the cherry tomatoes delightfully fresh and juicy. Toss everything until combined, showcasing a medley of textures and colors.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Dish out the pasta onto plates or bowls. Top with extra hemp seeds for that satisfying crunch, a pinch of black pepper to elevate the flavors, and an optional drizzle of olive oil to add a final glossy touch. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnishes can truly transform your bowl. Sprinkle extra hemp seeds or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley for an herby punch. A squeeze of lemon just before serving can also brighten all the flavors beautifully, making each bite vibrant.
Side Dishes
This creamy avocado pasta holds its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp, light side salad or some crusty garlic bread. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also make a delightful accompaniment, balancing the creamy richness with a bit of charred texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the pasta in deep bowls highlighting the colorful cherry tomatoes and greens. You can even add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for extra crunch or lay a few thin slices of radish on top for a hint of peppery crispness. Elevate your dinner table with edible flowers for a pop of whimsy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store the pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because avocado sauce can oxidize and turn brown, add a little lemon juice on top before sealing to help maintain its vibrant color. Enjoy within 1 to 2 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
Freezing creamy avocado pasta is generally not recommended since the texture and flavor of avocado sauce can change and become grainy after thawing. For the best experience, it’s better to prepare fresh or freeze plain cooked pasta separately and toss it in freshly made sauce later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk or reserved water to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid high heat or microwave reheating for long periods, as it can cause the sauce to break or lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Long noodles like spaghetti or fettuccine work great, but short pasta such as penne or fusilli is also perfect as it holds the creamy sauce well.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese or silken tofu for a similar creamy texture without dairy. Just adjust the seasoning as needed.
How spicy is the serrano chili in this dish?
The serrano adds a mild to moderate heat that enhances the flavors without overwhelming them. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preference, or leave it out if you prefer no heat.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use a plant-based milk and substitute cream cheese with vegan cream cheese. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan, making this dish perfect for plant-based eaters.
What other toppings go well with this pasta?
Besides hemp seeds, toasted nuts like pine nuts or walnuts, freshly grated vegan or regular Parmesan, or even some crispy fried shallots can add delightful texture and flavor to this creamy dish.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe, it will become a staple in your kitchen for its unbeatable combination of creamy richness, fresh vibrancy, and nutrient-packed ingredients. It’s perfect for any occasion that calls for a quick yet show-stopping meal—warm, comforting, and packed with flavor. Give it a whirl and watch how effortlessly it turns into a new favorite!
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Creamy Avocado Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes and Hemp Seeds Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Avocado Pasta recipe is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines ripe avocados with fresh herbs, cream cheese, and a hint of serrano chili for a luscious sauce. Tossed with al dente pasta, cherry tomatoes, and peppery baby arugula, this meal offers a deliciously creamy texture and fresh flavors ideal for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Sauce Ingredients
- 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
Pasta and Toppings
- 16 ounce (454 g) package pasta of your choice
- 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 the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
- Prepare the Avocado Sauce: In a blender, combine the avocados, cilantro, hemp seeds, garlic, lemon juice, cream cheese, serrano chili, black pepper, salt, milk (or reserved pasta water), and olive oil. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked pasta to the pot or place it in a large bowl. Pour the creamy avocado sauce over the pasta and toss well to ensure all noodles are evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a silky, glossy sauce consistency.
- Add Vegetables: Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes and baby arugula (or other greens). Toss until they are evenly distributed and slightly wilted by the warmth of the pasta.
- Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving bowls or plates. Top with extra hemp seeds, a pinch of black pepper, and an additional drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Using reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency perfectly, making it creamy and easy to coat the pasta.
- You can substitute the serrano chili with a milder pepper if you prefer less heat.
- For a vegan version, replace cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use a plant-based milk.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as the avocado sauce can oxidize and darken over time.
- Feel free to add toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
