Name: Healthy Avocado & Greek Yogurt Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Italian
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; 1/2 tsp Basil

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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. This Healthy Avocado & Greek Yogurt Pasta is the kind of meal that makes you look like you totally care about your diet while actually being 10 minutes of effort and maximum comfort. Want breakfast vibes with lunch energy? I got you.

If you liked the smooth tang of a yogurt bowl earlier, you might also enjoy this savory twist, kind of like my favorite quick recipes that mix healthy and sinful in the best possible way. Check out another easy yogurt based idea over here 5 minute fruit smoothie bowl with Greek yogurt for inspiration.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It tastes creamy and decadent but uses Greek yogurt instead of a gallon of cream. Fancy but not fake fancy.
It requires almost no cookware. One pot for pasta, one bowl for the sauce. Minimal dishes mean more time for dessert. Win.
It is idiot proof. Seriously, even I did not mess it up the first time I made it. That should say a lot.
It fills you up without leaving you lethargic. So you can eat a big bowl and still have energy to do stuff like… put on pants and take a walk.
It is flexible. Want protein or extra greens? Toss them in. Try swapping in some pan seared chicken sausages for a heartier meal like in this recipe I love chicken sausages with zucchini pasta. FYI this keeps things interesting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 cups Pasta shells. Small shells hug the sauce like they were made for each other.
1 Avocado. Pick one that gives with gentle pressure but is not a mushy nightmare.
1/3 cup Greek Yogurt. Use plain, full fat if you want indulgence; nonfat works too if you are watching calories.
1 tbsp Italian seasoning. A lazy herb mix that does all the heavy lifting.
1 tsp Garlic Salt. For lazy garlic energy.
1/2 tsp Black pepper. Sub Cayenne pepper for spice if you like a little kick.
1/2 tsp Basil. Dried or fresh, does the job either way.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Bring 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. Cook until tender but still with a tiny bite. Drain and rinse briefly to stop cooking.
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. Keep it smooth or leave a few lumps if you like texture.
Add your seasonings into the Avocado yogurt mix and combine. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, garlic salt, black pepper, and basil. Taste and adjust. If you want heat, swap the black pepper for Cayenne pepper or add a pinch.
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. If the sauce feels thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. That starchy water is magic, do not throw it away.
Serve & Enjoy! Plate up, top with extra basil or a grind of pepper, and dig in. You made something that looks and tastes like effort but took almost none. Pat yourself on the back.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmashing the avocado until it becomes an unappetizing green paste. A little texture is charming, not gross.
Adding too much salt at the start. Remember your garlic salt counts, and the pasta water may carry seasoning. Taste before over-salting.
Rinsing pasta too long. Rinse only if you want it to cool or stop cooking. Otherwise you wash away starch that helps the sauce cling.
Using a totally unripe avocado. If it resists every effort it will give you avocado disappointment. No one wants that.
Skipping the pasta water trick. That splash of starchy water is the secret to silky sauce. Don’t be that person who throws it away.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No Greek yogurt? Plain regular yogurt works. If your yogurt is watery, drain it in a cheesecloth for a bit. IMO full fat gives the dreamiest texture.
Want more green? Stir in chopped spinach or arugula right at the end so it wilts slightly. Spinach adds vitamins and barely any fuss.
Need protein? Toss in chickpeas, shredded rotisserie chicken, or pan seared sausages. If you like the sausage idea, I often pair this kind of creamy sauce with sausages for a hearty dinner chicken sausages with zucchini pasta.
Dairy free? Replace Greek yogurt with a thick dairy free yogurt and add a teaspoon of olive oil for richness. Avocado already does a lot of the creamy job, so this swap is very forgiving.
Love heat? Substitute black pepper with Cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes. Start small. You can always add more.
No small shells? Use any short pasta shape. Penne, rotini, or farfalle will all soak up sauce nicely.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I make this ahead of time and eat it later? You could, but the avocado will brown a bit over time. Want to prep? Mix everything but toss the sauce with lemon juice and store in an airtight container. Use within a day for best color and flavor.
Is this safe for meal prep? Yes if you accept some color change. Consider packing sauce and pasta separately and mixing before eating. That keeps it fresh.
Can I use frozen avocado? Sure, but thaw completely and drain any extra liquid. Texture may change slightly but the flavor will survive.
Do I have to use Greek yogurt? Nope. Plain yogurt, skyr, or a thick plant based yogurt will do. Just adjust thickness with a splash of water or pasta water.
Will this taste like salad? No, it tastes like creamy pasta with a bright avocado tang. If you want it more salad like, add more fresh herbs and lemon juice.
Can kids eat this? Most kids love creamy textures. If they are picky try a small test bowl before going all in.
How do I stop the sauce from being runny? Add more mashed avocado or a spoonful more yogurt. A little chill in the fridge firms it up too.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is basically comfort in a bowl with good intentions. It looks fancy, eats like a hug, and takes almost zero willpower to make. Keep a few of the ingredients stocked, and you can whip this up on a whim when you want something that feels homemade and grown up without hours of effort.

Top tip If you want an extra flavor pop add lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving. It brightens everything up like magic.

Now go impress someone or yourself with this tasty and simple pasta. You have earned it. Want more lazy but legit meals? Explore that smoothie bowl I linked earlier for a sweet follow up or snack idea.

Conclusion

If you want another take on avocado pasta that leans into creamy and healthy flavors, check this solid inspiration from a trusted source Avocado Pasta {Creamy and Healthy!} – WellPlated.com.