Creamy, vibrant, and packed with heart-healthy fats, this avocado carbonara is a nourishing twist on a traditional pasta favorite. Featuring a silky green sauce made from avocados, kale, and garlic, and finished with smoky bacon and parmesan, it’s a satisfying yet wholesome meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This avocado carbonara brings together the best of comfort and nutrition in a single dish. The sauce is velvety and rich without any cream, thanks to the natural creaminess of avocado and egg yolks. Kale adds a nutritious boost and beautiful green hue, while bacon and parmesan round out the flavors with a savory punch. It’s easy to make, full of superfoods, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb linguine noodles
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 large kale leaves
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 4–5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a food processor or blender, combine the avocados, egg yolks, kale, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne. Blend until smooth.
- With the machine running on low speed, gradually stream in the hot reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches a silky, pourable consistency.
- Pour the avocado sauce over the hot, drained pasta and toss well to coat evenly.
- Add the crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese to the pasta, mixing until combined.
- Serve warm, garnished with additional parmesan or freshly ground black pepper if desired.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: 538 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the bacon or replace it with crispy chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms.
- Vegan Version: Replace egg yolks with a tablespoon of nutritional yeast and add a splash of plant-based milk; skip the parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
- Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or poached eggs for extra protein.
- Herbaceous Twist: Blend in fresh basil or parsley for a pesto-like flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add more cayenne or a touch of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or olive oil to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving at high temperatures to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, but avocado may brown over time. Store the sauce in an airtight container with a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface and use within 24 hours.
Will the egg yolks cook in the sauce?
Yes, the residual heat from the pasta and pasta water lightly cooks the yolks to create a creamy, safe sauce.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I use spinach instead of kale?
Yes, spinach is a great alternative and will blend even more smoothly into the sauce.
What type of bacon works best?
Thick-cut, smoky bacon adds the most flavor and texture, but any cooked bacon will work.
Can I substitute lime juice for lemon?
Yes, lime juice can be used in place of lemon, but it will offer a slightly different citrus note.
Do I need a high-powered blender?
A standard food processor or blender should work well, especially if the kale is finely chopped before blending.
What other pasta shapes can I use?
Fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne also pair well with this sauce—choose your favorite.
How do I keep the sauce green and fresh?
Use fresh lemon juice and serve immediately after blending to preserve the vibrant color.
Can I freeze this dish?
It’s not recommended to freeze avocado-based sauces, as they may discolor and lose their creamy texture upon thawing.
Conclusion
Avocado carbonara is a creamy, nutritious reimagining of a pasta classic, perfect for those who crave richness without relying on heavy cream. With the brightness of lemon, the earthiness of kale, and the indulgence of bacon and parmesan, it’s a well-balanced, flavor-forward dish that’s both comforting and good for you. Whether you’re feeding a family or making a gourmet meal for one, this dish offers freshness and decadence in every bite.
PrintAvocado Carbonara
Creamy, vibrant, and full of fresh flavor, this avocado carbonara offers a heart-healthy twist on classic pasta—blended with kale, garlic, and lemon, then finished with smoky bacon and parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling, Blending
- Cuisine: Italian Fusion
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine noodles
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 large kale leaves
- 3–4 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 4–5 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While the pasta cooks, blend avocados, egg yolks, kale, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, paprika, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth.
- With the blender running on low, slowly stream in hot reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce.
- Pour the avocado sauce over the drained pasta and toss until fully coated.
- Stir in crumbled bacon and parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese or black pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for extra protein.
- Serve immediately, as avocado sauce may darken over time.
- Swap kale with spinach for a milder green flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 538 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 17 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg