Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta (Print view)

Ripe avocado blended into a silky sauce, tossed with hot pasta and grilled chicken breast for a quick, fresh meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Pasta

05 - 12 oz dried spaghetti or linguine

→ Avocado Sauce

06 - 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
07 - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
12 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
13 - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

→ Garnishes

14 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
15 - Lemon zest (optional)
16 - Red pepper flakes (optional)

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Grill for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
03 - In a food processor or blender, combine avocados, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, black pepper, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy.
04 - In a large bowl, toss hot drained pasta with the avocado sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed for a silky consistency.
05 - Add sliced grilled chicken and gently toss to combine.
06 - Divide among plates and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything comes together in under 40 minutes including the grilling time
  • The sauce is luxuriously creamy but packed with healthy fats instead of heavy cream
02 -
  • That vibrant green sauce will start to darken within an hour so plan to serve this immediately while it is at its most stunning
  • Adding cold avocado sauce to hot pasta off the heat prevents the sauce from separating or becoming gritty
03 -
  • Always check your avocados at the store by gently pressing the stem end if it gives slightly it is perfectly ripe
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly so let your Greek yogurt sit out while you prep everything else
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