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Avocado Carbonara

Creamy Avocado Carbonara: Quick, Healthy Pasta Delight

A healthy twist on a classic, this Avocado Carbonara is creamy, vegetarian-friendly, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Linguini Noodles The main carbohydrate that holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • 1 cup Pasta Water Vital for adjusting sauce consistency; reserve before draining!
For the Sauce
  • 2 medium Avocados Creamy and full of healthy fats, providing a luscious texture.
  • 2 large Egg Yolks Essential for richness and achieving that smooth sauce consistency.
  • 2 cups Kale Nutrient-packed, adding fiber and antioxidants; you can swap in spinach for variety.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Brings essential flavor; adjust the amount based on your preference.
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Enhances the depth of flavor; always choose high-quality for the best results.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens the dish; fresh juice really makes a difference!
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt Needed to elevate all flavors in the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and a mild smokiness that complements the dish.
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Just a pinch introduces a bit of heat to balance the creaminess.
For Texture & Finish
  • 4 slices Bacon Offers a savory crunch; feel free to omit for a vegetarian version.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Delivers a salty, nutty flavor; freshly grated cheese provides the best finish.

Equipment

  • High-speed blender
  • large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Avocado Carbonara
  1. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the linguini noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8–10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the noodles in a colander, shaking gently to remove excess water.
  2. In a high-speed blender, combine the ripe avocados, egg yolks, kale, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
  3. With the blender running on low, slowly pour in the reserved hot pasta water, one scoop at a time, adjusting the sauce consistency to your preference.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained linguini noodles with the creamy avocado sauce using tongs to ensure even coating.
  5. Stir in the crumbled bacon (if using) and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the pasta, tossing gently to combine.
  6. Plate your Avocado Carbonara immediately, garnishing with additional Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 12gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 180mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 10gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish is best served fresh, as the avocado may oxidize and change color over time, but it remains delicious!

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