Creamy Avocado Zucchini Carbonara
Avocado carbonara: whip up this creamy, vibrant pasta in under 30 minutes. A unique twist on a classic, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound bucatini pasta
- 6 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
- 2 ripe, small to medium avocado, halved
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, plus more for serving
- kosher salt and pepper
- 2 small zucchini, cut into ribbons
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme or oregano
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Instructions
- Cook bucatini pasta according to package directions until al dente, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Blend avocado, egg, basil, salt, and pepper with 1/2 cup pasta water until creamy.
- Cook bacon until crisp. Add pasta, zucchini, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook 5 minutes.
- Stir in avocado sauce and parmesan. Cook 3-5 minutes, adding pasta water to thin. Season and add fresh herbs.
- Serve with extra parmesan and basil.
Notes
- Don't rinse your pasta after draining; the starches help the sauce cling better.
- Reserve extra pasta water! It's your secret weapon for thinning the sauce to perfect consistency if it gets too thick.
- For a richer flavor, ensure your bacon is cooked until truly crisp, rendering out most of its fat.
- If you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce's creaminess. Avoid microwaving for best texture. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
- Reserve extra pasta water! It's your secret weapon for thinning the sauce to perfect consistency if it gets too thick.
- For a richer flavor, ensure your bacon is cooked until truly crisp, rendering out most of its fat.
- If you have leftover pasta, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce's creaminess. Avoid microwaving for best texture. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.