Is Zendaya’s Avocado Pasta Worth the Hype? We Find Out
Actress Zendaya recently shared her recipe for avocado pasta on Instagram, claiming that it’s her “favorite meal.” We put her creamy pasta dish to the test to see if it lives up to the hype.
Ingredients
1 lb whole wheat penne pasta 2 ripe avocados 1/2 cup chopped basil 1/4 cup chopped red onion 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers 2 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain, reserving some of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, mash the avocados with a fork until mostly smooth but with some chunks remaining. Stir in the basil, onion, red peppers, olive oil, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water to the avocado mixture and toss to coat evenly, adding more cooking water as needed to create a creamy sauce-like consistency.
The starch from the pasta combines with the healthy fats from the avocado to create a rich, indulgent sauce. The red onion, peppers and garlic add flavor to balance the decadence. While not life-changing, Zendaya’s avocado pasta is worth making for a satisfying, Instagram-worthy bowl of food.
More Pasta Recipes Worth Trying
Whether you’re a pasta enthusiast or want to spice up a dull weeknight, there are lots of inspiration-worthy pasta recipes out there…
One-Pan Garlic Shrimp Linguine
Sauté garlic and shrimp in olive oil, then toss with linguine pasta, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and chopped parsley. The garlic and shrimp flavor the pasta for a rich, creamy dish.
Butternut Squash Pasta
Roast butternut squash with sage, then puree and toss with pasta, sautéed spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, lemon zest and parmesan. The squash’s natural sweetness balances the savory flavors.
Pesto Veggie Pasta
Toss penne pasta with basil pesto, zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, pine nuts and mozzarella cheese. The fresh basil pesto coats each ingredient for a burst of herby flavor in every bite.
Creamy Mushroom Pasta
Sauté cremini mushrooms with garlic and shallots, then toss with pasta, cream, parmesan cheese, thyme and parsley. The mushrooms melt into a rich and luxurious sauce.
Tomato Vodka Pasta
Simmer vodka-infused sun-dried tomatoes with garlic and red pepper flakes, then toss with pasta, basil, mozzarella balls and parmesan. The tomatoes infuse the pasta with intense flavor for a savory, spicy dish.
Brown Butter Sage Pasta
Brown butter with sage leaves, then toss with pasta, cooked sausage, parmesan, lemon zest and chopped parsley. The nutty brown butter balances the richness of the sausage for a decadent pasta.
Indulgent Pasta for Every Occasion
From creamy vegetable pasta to rich meat sauce linguine, there are endless options for an indulgent, perfect pasta. Whether you’re looking to impress or simply want to soak up sauce with every bite, these recipes will satisfy any craving. Buon appetito!