Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta

$- 2 ripe avocados - 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine works well) - 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving To make creamy avocado lime pasta, you need fresh, ripe ingredients. Start with two ripe avocados. They should feel soft but not mushy. Next, you will need three tablespoons of fresh lime juice. This adds a bright, zesty flavor. A single garlic clove, minced, brings a nice kick to the dish. Use about a quarter cup of fresh basil leaves for a fragrant touch. The olive oil helps blend the sauce smoothly, so grab a quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. Choose spaghetti or fettuccine for your pasta. Both work well and will hold the sauce nicely. You also need half a cup of cherry tomatoes. Halve them to add color and sweetness to your dish. For garnishes, have fresh cilantro ready. Lime wedges will also add a fresh burst of flavor when serving. Each ingredient plays a vital role in making this dish creamy and delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt adds flavor to the pasta. Once boiling, add 12 ounces of your chosen pasta, like spaghetti or fettuccine. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it becomes al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. After cooking, drain the pasta but make sure to save about 1 cup of the pasta water. This water helps later with the sauce. In a food processor, combine 2 ripe avocados, 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. Blend these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and creamy. While blending, slowly drizzle in 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil. This helps the sauce come together and adds richness. After blending, taste the sauce. Add salt and pepper to enhance the flavor. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit more of the reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it up. Next, gently fold in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Mix them in well so they are spread throughout the pasta. This adds freshness and color. Serve the pasta right away, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra flavor boost. To enhance the flavor of your avocado sauce, I suggest using fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. You can also add crushed red pepper for a spicy kick. For more depth, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika. If your sauce is too thick, don’t worry! Just add a bit of reserved pasta water. This water has starch that helps thicken the sauce without losing creaminess. Start with a tablespoon and mix until you reach the right consistency. For an elegant look, plate the pasta in shallow bowls. This helps show off the vibrant green color of the sauce. Add a sprig of fresh basil on top for decoration. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pasta before serving. To make your dish pop, add halved cherry tomatoes and fresh cilantro. These not only add flavor but also brighten up your plate. Serve lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always follow package instructions and check for al dente. The pasta should be firm to the bite for the best texture. Another pitfall is letting the sauce lose its creamy texture. If you mix the sauce too aggressively, it can become grainy. Gently fold the sauce into the pasta until everything is evenly coated. This keeps it smooth and delicious. Pro Tips Use Ripe Avocados: Ensure your avocados are perfectly ripe for the creamiest sauce. A ripe avocado should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed. Customize Your Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or parsley to switch up the flavor profile of your sauce. Optimal Pasta Cooking: Always cook pasta al dente for the best texture, and remember to reserve some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency. Serving Suggestions: For added flavor, consider topping the dish with crumbled feta or grated Parmesan cheese before serving. {{image_2}} For an extra boost, you can add protein to your pasta. Here are some tasty options: - Grilled chicken: Slice it thin and mix it in. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp in olive oil for a quick addition. - Tofu: Use firm tofu for a plant-based choice. - Chickpeas: These add protein and a nice texture. Each protein helps make this dish filling and satisfying. If you want a vegan version, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Here are some easy swaps: - Use chickpea pasta or lentil pasta for a great texture. - Instead of cheese, add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You’ll enjoy a creamy, plant-based dish that fits any diet. You can mix up the flavors for fun. Here are some ideas: - Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. - Stir in fresh spinach for extra greens. - Use cilantro instead of basil for a fresh twist. - Try lemon juice for a zesty change. These small changes can create a whole new dish each time! To keep your creamy avocado lime pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. The pasta will stay good for about 2-3 days. If you can, keep the sauce and pasta separate. This helps maintain the creamy texture. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the pasta dry. Instead, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil. Stir gently until warm. If you prefer the microwave, use a microwave-safe dish. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. You can freeze leftover creamy avocado lime pasta, but it may change texture. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe bags. Remove as much air as possible. Label with the date. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat gently on the stove to revive the creaminess. Yes, you can make the avocado sauce ahead of time. To do this, blend the ingredients as usual. After blending, store the sauce in an airtight container. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce. This helps limit air exposure. Keep it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to use, stir the sauce well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. To keep avocados fresh, you can use a few simple tricks. Use lime juice or lemon juice right after cutting. The acidity slows down the browning process. Another method is to store them in water. Just cover the surface of the avocado with water and seal it tightly. You can also try using an airtight container. These methods help keep the green color longer. For this recipe, you can use various pasta types. Spaghetti and fettuccine are great choices. They hold the creamy sauce well. Penne or farfalle also work nicely if you prefer shapes. Feel free to try whole wheat or gluten-free options too. Each type brings a different texture to the dish. Choose what you like best! This blog post covered how to make a tasty avocado pasta dish. We explored the key ingredients and provided step-by-step cooking instructions. You learned tips for perfecting the sauce, serving ideas, and common mistakes to avoid. We also offered variations for dietary needs and storage tips. Now, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful meal that fits your taste and preferences. Remember, cooking is an adventure, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Avocado Lime Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, and basil, perfect for a quick meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

2 whole ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 clove garlic, minced
0.25 cup fresh basil leaves
0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
12 ounces pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
0.5 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
for garnish fresh cilantro
for serving lime wedges

Instructions

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water.
In a food processor, combine the avocados, lime juice, minced garlic, and basil leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy. While blending, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to help emulsify the sauce.
Taste the avocado sauce and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the avocado sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If needed, add more reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Gently fold in the halved cherry tomatoes. Mix until they are well distributed throughout the pasta.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Plate the pasta in shallow bowls for an elegant look, and add a sprig of fresh basil on top for decoration. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pasta before serving.

Keyword avocado, creamy, lime, pasta, vegetarian