Talk About Eating Your Greens!
Avocado and Greek yogurt might seem like a strange combination for a pasta sauce. Before trying this recipe, I was really skeptical. How can Greek yogurt taste good on pasta? And who enjoys mashed avocado on pasta? It doesn’t seem to make sense, but you’re going to have to trust me on this one!
After a long time of avoiding the whole yogurt-on-pasta thing, I decided it was finally time to give it a go. Luckily, I love it! I was pleasantly surprised by the avocado and Greek yogurt’s ability to absorb the Italian seasonings and hints of pepper. The spices mix perfectly into the sauce and spread evenly over the entire pasta dish. This “sauce” also has the best creamy texture that’s not too thick or runny.
My favorite part is that this pasta not only tastes great, but is packed with protein, healthy fats, and carbs! It’s the perfect trio to curb your appetite and leave you satisfied. It has all the incredible flavor and nutritional benefits of traditional pasta dishes, but won’t leave your stomach feeling full or heavy. Better yet, it’s really easy to customize to your tastes and nutritional needs!
Ingredients
- Whole Foods brand organic pasta shells: The key for sulfite free with pasta is to use organic brands with no added ingredients. Be careful of gluten free pasta or shaped pastas that can contain corn starch!
- Organic Avocado
- Organic full fat Greek yogurt: When selecting Greek yogurts for sulfite free versions, make sure to avoid options with pectin and any gums!
- Simply organic spices: Italian seasoning, basil, garlic salt, and peppers. The recipe can be changed if you are not someone who tolerates garlic. Simply substitute for sea salt and add more pepper. It will still taste fantastic!
Making the Avocado and Greek Yogurt Sauce
Making the sauce is incredibly simple! First you cut and peel the avocado and remove the pit. Then mash it with a fork in a bowl or on a plate until it has a creamy, smooth texture. Mix in the Greek yogurt and stir until the mix is a light green color and all bumps are smoothed out. Finally, add in the spices and mix once again!
This sauce can be thrown together in under 5 minutes and any pasta should be done in under 15. That makes this an extremely easy recipe for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Additions and Substitutions
After you’ve realized you love this recipe and eat it almost too many times, why not try out these fun mix-ins:
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
- Chicken Sausage
- Peppers
- Ground turkey
- Lemon
- All or any of the above combined!
This pasta dish is versatile and pairs well with many different flavors. The avocado and yogurt base has a rather neutral taste that takes on the flavors of spices, meats, or fruits and vegetables. If you are looking for other options to try besides the ingredients listed, try out the following substitutes:
- Dairy free yogurt: If you’re using dairy free yogurt, just mix in less than the amount called for in the recipe.
- Different types of pasta including penne, linguini, or fusilli. I personally love the recipe with pasta shells, but other thicker pasta types will work great.
Love Easy Dinners? Check this one out!
- Easy 5 Ingredient Chicken Sausage Orzo with Spinach and Tomatoes
Healthy Avocado & Greek Yogurt Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 cups Pasta shells
- 1 Avocado
- 1/3 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp Garlic Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black pepper sub Cayenne pepper for spice!
- 1/2 tsp Basil
Instructions
- Start by bringing 4 cups of water and a pinch of sea salt to a boil. Pour in the pasta shells and lower the heat to let them simmer.
- Cut the avocado open and remove the pit then scoop out both sides. Using a fork, mash the avocado in a bowl. Then add in the Greek yogurt and mix until well combined.
- Add your seasonings into the Avocado yogurt mix and combine.
- When the pasta is cooked, drain the water and add the pasta into the avocado yogurt mix. Stir the pasta into the mix until it is spread evenly.
- Serve & Enjoy!
