A vibrant, healthy, and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados, tender chicken breast, and a touch of lemon zest for a refreshing twist. This quick and easy dinner recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a wholesome weekend treat!
Ingredients:
2 ripe avocados
250g (9 oz) pasta (penne or fusilli work best)
1 chicken breast, grilled or pan-seared
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra richness)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
Cook Chicken:
Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-fry over medium heat for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Let it rest, then slice thinly.
Make Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, add peeled and pitted avocados, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and chili flakes. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Mix Everything:
Toss the drained pasta with the avocado sauce. Add grated Parmesan if using. Mix in the sliced chicken.
Serve:
Plate the creamy avocado chicken pasta and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra lemon zest and chili flakes if desired.
Tips:
Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
Add cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor.
Can be made vegetarian by omitting the chicken.