This Bacon Avocado Pasta combines creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a zesty basil lemon dressing for a flavorful experience. Serve it hot as a hearty pasta dish or cold as a refreshing pasta salad. Either way, it’s sure to impress your taste buds.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 27 mins
Total Time: 47 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients for Bacon Avocado Pasta
- 1 (8-ounce) package bow tie pasta
- 6 strips bacon
- ⅔ cup fresh basil (chopped)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 avocados (chopped)
- ½ cup grated Romano cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
- Add the bow tie pasta and cook for 12 minutes, or until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the bacon strips until crispy, turning occasionally, for about 10 minutes.
- Place the cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine the basil, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, pepper, and salt.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the crumbled bacon and chopped avocado.
- Add the prepared basil lemon dressing and toss to coat.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle grated Romano cheese on top before serving.
- Serve hot for a comforting meal or chilled as a pasta salad.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 44g |
| Protein | 18g |
Tips for the Best Bacon Avocado Pasta
- Choose ripe avocados: Opt for avocados that are firm but slightly soft to the touch for a creamy texture.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the bow tie pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Use freshly grated Romano cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- To make it dairy-free, replace Romano cheese with a vegan alternative or nutritional yeast.
- Add cherry tomatoes or arugula for extra color and freshness.
Variations for Special Diets
- Keto-Friendly: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles and increase the avocado-to-pasta ratio for fewer carbs.
- Low-Carb Option: Use a low-carb pasta alternative like shirataki or chickpea pasta.
- Plant-Based Version: Replace bacon with vegan bacon and omit the Romano cheese.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta or rice pasta.