If you are craving a dish that feels indulgently creamy yet fresh and vibrant, the Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. This stunning twist on classic carbonara replaces heavy cream with silky avocado, adding a unique buttery richness that pairs perfectly with the smoky, savory bites of tender smoked beef strips. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavors that dance on your palate, this pasta dish manages to balance decadence and brightness in the most delicious way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the secret behind the magic of this recipe. Each component plays an essential role in delivering a luscious texture, a perfect balance of flavors, and a pop of color that makes the plate as appetizing as it tastes.
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine: Choose your favorite long pasta; its texture holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted: They create the luscious, creamy base in place of traditional cream.
- 2 cloves garlic: Adds a subtle pungency that brightens the sauce.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Injects fresh acidity that cuts through the richness.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory umami flavor and depth.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds a fruity undertone.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat with aromatic warmth.
- 1 cup smoked beef strips, chopped: Imparts smoky savoriness that makes the dish unforgettable.
- 2 large eggs: Provide richness and help create the silky carbonara texture.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water: Perfect for loosening the sauce to an ideal consistency.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, herbal garnish that adds color and freshness.
- Extra grated Parmesan: For serving, to elevate every bite with cheesy goodness.
How to Make Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt is key because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook your spaghetti or fettuccine until al dente—this means it should be tender but still a little firm to the bite. Before draining, scoop out and save 1/4 cup of the pasta water; this starchy liquid is a little secret to help marry your sauce ingredients later with a silky texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Avocado Sauce
In a food processor or blender, combine the ripe avocados, peeled garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. The avocado’s natural creaminess replaces traditional cream without heaviness, while lemon juice brings the sauce to life with brightness.
Step 3: Sauté the Smoked Beef
Warm a large skillet over medium heat and add your chopped smoked beef strips. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are heated through and develop a slight crispiness on the edges. This step intensifies the smoky flavors and adds delightful texture contrasts throughout each bite. Once done, remove the skillet from heat to prepare for the final tossing.
Step 4: Whisk the Eggs
In a small bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth and well combined. These eggs are what make this carbonara traditional in its silky creaminess, but using them correctly ensures you get a luscious coating without scrambling.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
Add the hot, drained pasta directly into the skillet with your smoky beef (with the heat turned off). Immediately stir in the creamy avocado sauce and toss everything together carefully. The residual heat is perfect for the next step, so move quickly but gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Add Eggs and Pasta Water to Finish
Now pour in the beaten eggs along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss continuously to allow the eggs to thicken gently and combine with the avocado sauce to create a silky, luscious coating over every strand of pasta. Be cautious with the heat to avoid scrambling the eggs. If the sauce feels too thick, add more reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your desired creamy consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and some extra grated Parmesan over the pasta for a fresh and cheesy finish. This step not only enhances flavor but also gives a lovely visual appeal to your dish.
How to Serve Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a hint of herbal brightness that pairs perfectly with the smoky notes of the beef. A little extra grated Parmesan sprinkled on top brings an irresistible savory punch to the final bite, making each mouthful truly special.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta also complements the meal by adding a toasty texture contrast and more flavor layers.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this dish in individual shallow bowls for a cozy, intimate experience or plating it elegantly on a large platter garnished with parsley sprigs and Parmesan shards for a dinner party. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a light dusting of cracked pepper can add an artistic final touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the sauce is avocado-based, it may darken slightly but will still taste delicious. Stir gently before reheating to reincorporate the sauce.
Freezing
Freezing creamy avocado carbonara is not recommended as the avocado sauce can change texture and become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated and eaten within a couple of days.
Reheating
For reheating, use a gentle stovetop method over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid microwaving, which can scramble the eggs or alter the avocado’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of smoked beef?
Absolutely! Grilled or sautéed chicken strips would make a fantastic substitute, offering a milder flavor but still pairing wonderfully with the creamy avocado sauce.
Is it necessary to use raw eggs in this recipe?
Yes, the eggs are gently cooked by the heat of the pasta and skillet to create the classic carbonara creaminess. Make sure your eggs are fresh and handle them carefully to avoid scrambling.
How ripe should the avocados be for the sauce?
Choose avocados that are soft but not mushy. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure to ensure a silky, smooth sauce without lumps.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with silken tofu or a vegan egg replacer and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Swap smoked beef for smoked tempeh or mushrooms for that lovely smoky flavor.
What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Long, thin pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine is perfect here because it gets nicely coated with the creamy avocado sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe brings an exciting twist to an Italian classic with fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold smoky flavors. It is a dish that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself to a delightful homemade meal. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Creamy Avocado Carbonara with Smoked Beef is a rich and flavorful twist on the classic Italian pasta dish, featuring a smooth avocado-based sauce combined with smoky beef strips and Parmesan cheese. This easy 30-minute recipe offers a delightful, silky texture without the use of cream, making it a delicious and creamy option for pasta lovers seeking a fresh and healthy variation.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
Avocado Sauce
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup smoked beef strips, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra grated Parmesan (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta and set aside.
- Prepare Avocado Sauce: In a food processor, blend the peeled and pitted avocados, garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Sauté Smoked Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the chopped smoked beef strips. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until heated through and slightly crisp. Remove the skillet from heat afterward.
- Whisk Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the two large eggs until they are smooth and fully blended.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the hot drained pasta directly to the skillet with the smoked beef while the skillet is off the heat. Stir in the creamy avocado sauce and toss well to coat the pasta evenly.
- Add Eggs and Pasta Water: Immediately pour in the beaten eggs along with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss continuously and quickly to combine, allowing the heat of the pasta to gently cook the eggs and create a silky sauce without scrambling.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add additional reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time, tossing to loosen the sauce until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Be sure to toss the eggs quickly with the hot pasta off the heat to prevent scrambling.
- Use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Smoked beef can be substituted with pancetta or bacon for a different flavor profile.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
