I still remember the first time I experimented with Avocado Carbonara in my kitchen. I was craving the creamy, comforting flavors of a traditional carbonara but wanted a lighter, fresher twist. As I blended ripe avocado into the sauce, the kitchen filled with a subtle, inviting aroma that promised indulgence without heaviness. That day, I discovered a recipe that would quickly become a favorite in my home and among friends who visited.
You will love this Avocado Carbonara recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy richness and fresh, vibrant flavor. Unlike classic carbonara, this version uses avocado to create a luscious, silky sauce that clings beautifully to pasta. It’s satisfying without feeling overly heavy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or even a cozy solo meal.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it with spaghetti, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shapes. If you want to add extra protein, turkey bacon or chicken ham works wonderfully without overpowering the dish. You can also toss in some fresh vegetables like peas or cherry tomatoes for added texture and color. The sauce itself is simple enough to let your creativity shine, whether you prefer it classic or slightly zesty with a touch of lemon juice.
Affordability is another reason to try this recipe. Avocados, pasta, and basic pantry ingredients like olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan make it budget-friendly. You don’t need expensive cheeses or specialty items to achieve a restaurant-quality taste. Even on a tight schedule, you can prepare a dish that feels gourmet but costs far less than dining out.
Ingredients for Avocado Carbonara:
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2 ripe avocados
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12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice
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4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
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1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
How to Prepare This Recipe
Preparing Avocado Carbonara is surprisingly quick and simple, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality flavor that will impress anyone at your table. The key is balancing the creamy avocado sauce with perfectly cooked pasta and flavorful turkey bacon and chicken ham. By following these steps carefully, you’ll create a dish that is both satisfying and elegant.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Cook the pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for the sauce.
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Prepare the avocado sauce: While the pasta is cooking, cut the avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender or food processor. Add lemon juice, a pinch of salt, pepper, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Cook the turkey bacon and chicken ham: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped turkey bacon and cook until it begins to crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Then, add the diced chicken ham and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Combine pasta and sauce: Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked pasta to the skillet with turkey bacon, chicken ham, and garlic. Pour in the avocado sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every strand of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add small amounts of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired creaminess.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. For extra richness, sprinkle in the remaining Parmesan cheese and toss gently.
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Serve and garnish: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. You can also add a light drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
Quick and Easy Tips:
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Make sure your avocados are ripe for a smooth and creamy sauce.
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Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency without thinning the flavor.
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Cook turkey bacon until lightly crisp for added texture and taste.
Customizable Options:
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Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
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Swap spaghetti for fettuccine or penne depending on your preference.
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For a hint of spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the finished dish.
This Avocado Carbonara is popular with many people because it combines the comforting familiarity of traditional carbonara with a fresh, creamy twist. Its versatility makes it ideal for lunch, dinner, or even a casual dinner party. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, while the turkey bacon and chicken ham add a savory depth of flavor that everyone will enjoy.
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Avocado Carbonara
Avocado Carbonara is a fresh twist on the classic Italian pasta dish. By using ripe avocados, this recipe creates a creamy, silky sauce without the heaviness of traditional cream. Combined with savory turkey bacon and chicken ham, it delivers a satisfying meal that’s quick, versatile, and perfect for any occasion.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ripe avocados
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta of your choice
- 4 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- 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 before draining.
- Cut avocados in half, remove the pit, and scoop the flesh into a blender. Add lemon juice, half of the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding a little reserved pasta water if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook turkey bacon until lightly crisp, about 3–4 minutes. Add chicken ham and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in minced garlic for 30 seconds.
- Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and pour in the avocado sauce. Toss to coat evenly, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle in remaining Parmesan cheese and toss gently.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.
Notes
Ensure avocados are ripe for a smooth sauce.
Pasta water helps adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
Garnish with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
Optional: Add vegetables like peas or cherry tomatoes for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
FAQs
1. Can I make Avocado Carbonara ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce just before serving to maintain a creamy texture and avoid browning.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine, penne, or even linguine work perfectly. The key is to cook the pasta al dente so that it holds the creamy sauce without becoming mushy.
3. How do I prevent the avocado sauce from turning brown?
Adding a small amount of lemon juice helps preserve the green color. Blend the sauce just before combining it with the hot pasta to maintain its fresh appearance and flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a plant-based cheese alternative. Replace turkey bacon and chicken ham with plant-based versions to make the dish fully vegan.
5. Is it safe to reheat leftovers?
Yes, gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or plant-based milk to restore creaminess. Avoid using high heat, which can cause the avocado sauce to separate.