Creamy Avocado Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Ripe avocado blended into a creamy, no-cook sauce paired with grilled chicken and hot pasta for a quick, satisfying meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 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)

# How-To Steps:

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 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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. Divide among plates and garnish with extra basil, Parmesan, lemon zest, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The no cook sauce comes together in minutes and stays perfectly emulsified
  • Grilled chicken adds smoky depth that balances the rich avocado creaminess
  • Leftovers actually taste amazing cold, like an upscale pasta salad
02 -
  • Make the sauce right before tossing with pasta as it will start to oxidize and darken after 15 minutes
  • The pasta water is not optional, it's what transforms the sauce from thick to silky
  • Season the chicken aggressively as it needs to stand up to the bold avocado flavors
03 -
  • If your sauce seems too thick, add pasta water one tablespoon at a time
  • Room temperature ingredients blend more smoothly than cold ones
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