Avocado Pesto Pasta

Prep: 5 min Cook: 2 min Total: 7 min Servings: 2
Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published January 24, 2021 • Updated February 1, 2026

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Dairy FreeEasyEgg FreeItalian

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Creamy avocado pesto sauce drizzled over your favorite noodles. This basil pesto pasta is an easy lunch you can make in a snap with just a few fresh ingredients.

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Avocado Pesto Pasta

Prep 5m Cook 2m Total 7m 2 servings

Avocado Pesto Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 cups basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon pine nuts
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 avocado

Keto Pasta Ingredients

  • 9 oz hearts of palm noodles or zucchini noodles
  • 1 cup shredded chicken, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Puree sauce

Add all ingredients for the avocado pesto to a food processor. Pulse until smooth.

chunks of avocado on a bed of basil leaves in a food processor
2
Add noodles

Heat noodles according to package directions or on the stove top for 1-2 minutes. Stir in avocado pesto sauce. Add chicken if using. Continue cooking until heated through.

mixing avocado pesto sauce into chicken and noodles
Nutrition Per Serving
465 Calories
33.6g Fat
18.5g Protein
4.1g Net Carbs
10.1g Total Carbs
2 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Avocado Pesto Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pine nuts?

Yes! You can swap pine nuts for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor and texture.

What can I use if I don't have fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn't available, you can use spinach or arugula for a slightly different taste, or even try a store-bought pesto for convenience.

How should I store leftover avocado pesto pasta?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best enjoyed within 2-3 days, but the avocado may darken slightly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly. Try adding nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this avocado pesto pasta is perfect for meal prep! Just keep the sauce separate until you're ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the avocado.

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Avocado Pesto Pasta Recipe

a bowl of pasta with lemon and avocado near

Having a wholesome quick lunch is easier than you think. This creamy avocado pesto pasta is your solution to Italian food cravings on keto and a simple lunch you can make in a snap. Simply add your fresh pesto ingredients to a food processor. Add some avocado to make this pesto creamy and smooth. Then pour over your favorite noodles.

You can prep avocado pesto pasta ahead of time to make packing lunch for work or home easy with little effort. Fresh basil, garlic, and pine nuts are combined with avocado to make the ultimate noodle dish for any meal.

creamy pesto mixed into keto noodles

Avocado Pesto

Traditionally pesto is made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, olive oil and some parmesan cheese. In this recipe, I add half an avocado to make the mixture creamy and thick. It sticks perfectly to your favorite low-carb noodle. Avocado is an ideal addition – not only does it add flavor to your pesto, but it adds fat, fiber and lots of vitamins.

blended avocado pesto sauce in a food processor

Are Avocados Keto Friendly?

Yes, avocados are totally fine on keto. They’re a fruit you can eat freely on the keto diet – filled with healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fatty acids. They contain lots of fiber, so while their total carb count looks high, they are actually quite low in net carbs. About 1.8 grams net carbs per 100 grams of avocado.

Avocados also offer more potassium than bananas. Sometimes electrolytes get out of balance when you’re eating keto. Eating avocados regularly helps keep your potassium levels in check.

hearts of palm noodles in a white bowl

Keto Noodle Options

There are a couple different options for low-carb noodles when it comes to making a keto pasta dish. You can opt for hearts of palm noodles, shirataki noodles, wheat based low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles (aka zoodles).
  • Hearts of Palm Noodles – This is my favorite keto noodles since it takes and looks very similar to wheat based spaghetti noodles; however, it is very low-carbs and gluten-free. There are 2 grams net carbs per serving. Natural Heavens is a favorite brand of mine. Palmini is another brand you can look for.
  • Shirataki Noodles – This is a zero net carb keto pasta option; however, many complain the noodles are stinky and have a rubber texture when you eat them.
  • Wheat Based Low Carb Pasta – There are some companies who have master a low-carb noodle that looks and tastes similar to traditional pasta; however, they do contain gluten. So if you are sensitive, you may get inflammation to this keto pasta.
  • Zucchini Noodles – These are noodles that you can spiralize yourself or purchase them pre-spiralized at the grocery store. Zucchini is relatively low in carbs.
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

Learn more about Annie View My Cookbook

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Reviews 2
  1. N
    nancy Jul 6, 2022

    This looks SO yummy. I'm a big fan of basil pesto but my husband is not. Have you tried freezing this? success??

    Reply
    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Aug 13, 2022

      I haven't tried freezing this but I think it would work. Avocado freezes well.

      Reply

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