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This creamy avocado carbonara transforms the classic Italian dish with a nutritious twist that maintains all the indulgent flavor. The silky avocado sauce replaces traditional heavy cream while adding healthy fats and a beautiful green hue to your pasta night.
I first created this recipe when trying to use up ripe avocados during a pantry cleanout night. What started as an experiment quickly became my husband's most requested pasta dish, especially after long workdays when we need something satisfying but relatively quick.
Ingredients
- Linguini Noodles: 1 lb provides the perfect texture to hold the creamy sauce choose bronze die cut pasta for better sauce adherence
- Avocados: 2 ripe but not overly soft avocados form the creamy base of our sauce look for ones that yield slightly to pressure
- Egg Yolks: 2 add richness and help create that traditional carbonara silkiness always use fresh eggs at room temperature
- Kale: 2 large leaves add nutrition without overwhelming the flavor choose deeply colored leaves without yellowing
- Garlic: 3 4 cloves provide essential aromatic flavor fresh is non negotiable here
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: ¼ cup adds smoothness and carries flavor use a good quality oil since the flavor comes through
- Lemon Juice: 1 ½ Tablespoons balances the richness and prevents avocado browning fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon enhances all flavors in the dish diamond crystal brand gives better control over saltiness
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon adds subtle smokiness standard or smoked varieties both work well
- Cayenne: Pinch provides gentle heat without overpowering adjust according to your spice preference
- Pasta Water: 1 cup reserved contains starch that helps the sauce cling to pasta always save before draining
- Bacon: 4 5 slices adds traditional carbonara flavor and delightful texture look for thick cut for best results
- Parmesan cheese: ⅓ cup freshly shredded provides salty umami depth pre grated lacks the same flavor impact
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Boil the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add a generous amount of salt until the water tastes like seawater. Add linguini and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should have slight resistance when bitten into. Remember to reserve one full cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Create the Avocado Sauce:
- While pasta cooks, prepare your sauce. Add peeled and pitted avocados, egg yolks, kale leaves torn into pieces, peeled garlic cloves, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, paprika, and cayenne to your blender or food processor. Blend on high speed until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should be vibrant green and velvety without any visible bits of kale or garlic.
- Temper the Sauce:
- This critical step prevents the eggs from scrambling. With the blender running on low speed, slowly stream in the hot reserved pasta water. This gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks while diluting the sauce to the perfect consistency. The sauce should now be slightly thinner but still coating the back of a spoon.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Immediately after draining the pasta, return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Quickly pour the avocado sauce over the hot pasta. Using tongs, toss thoroughly until every strand is coated with the vibrant green sauce. The residual heat from the pasta will gently cook the egg yolks to safe temperature while maintaining creaminess.
- Add Finishing Touches:
- Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon pieces and shredded parmesan cheese over the sauced pasta. Gently fold these ingredients in, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish. The warmth of the pasta will slightly melt the cheese, creating pockets of savory goodness throughout each serving.
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The kale in this recipe was my clever addition after watching my children push aside their green vegetables for months. Hidden in the creamy avocado sauce, they never detect it, but I know they're getting those extra nutrients with every twirl of pasta. This dish has become our special Friday night tradition, signaling the start of family weekend time together.
Make Ahead Options
This carbonara is best made fresh, but you can prepare components ahead to streamline the process. Cook and crumble the bacon up to two days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also measure and prepare all the sauce ingredients except the avocados and store them separately. When ready to cook, simply boil the pasta and blend the sauce with freshly cut avocados for the best color and flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms which provide similar umami flavor. Tempeh bacon or smoked sun dried tomatoes can also work beautifully. The linguini can be replaced with any long pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti, or use gluten free pasta for dietary restrictions. The kale can be substituted with spinach or even basil for a different flavor profile, though the nutritional content will vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant carbonara as the centerpiece of your meal alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. A glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish beautifully. For a complete meal, add grilled chicken breast or sautéed shrimp on top for those wanting additional protein.
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This avocado carbonara proves that decadent dinners can also be nutritious when creative ingredients shine!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, while linguini works wonderfully, fettuccine, spaghetti, or even zucchini noodles can be substituted for a different texture.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Omit the bacon and use a plant-based parmesan alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version of the dish.
- → What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared a few hours in advance. Keep it in the refrigerator and mix it with the pasta just before serving.
- → What substitutes are there for avocado?
If you don't have avocado, consider using silken tofu or a cashew-based cream as an alternative for the sauce base.
- → Is there a non-dairy alternative for parmesan cheese?
Yes, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free parmesan alternative for a vegan-friendly twist.