Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? This Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta is a vibrant, fresh dish that’s sure to impress your taste buds. Packed with creamy avocado and zesty lime, this recipe is not only easy to make but also a healthy option for any meal. In just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to whip up this flavorful pasta that everyone will love. Let’s dive in!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh and Flavorful: This pasta dish combines the creaminess of avocados with the brightness of lime and cilantro, creating a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to this dish! It pairs well with grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Healthy Ingredients: This recipe features wholesome ingredients like avocados and fresh herbs, making it a nutritious option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
To create Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta, you need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for added heat
These ingredients work together to create a creamy, zesty dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap some ingredients to fit your taste or needs. Here are some easy swaps:
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- For a vegan dish, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Instead of cilantro, try parsley for a different flavor.
- You can add lemon juice if you don’t have lime.
- Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with diced bell peppers for crunch.
These substitutions keep the dish delicious while meeting dietary needs.
Nutritional Information
This recipe serves four and provides balanced nutrition. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 8g
This dish is rich in healthy fats from avocados. It also offers fiber and essential vitamins. Enjoying it as part of a balanced diet can be both tasty and healthy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 12 oz of spaghetti or linguine. Cook it according to the package directions until it’s al dente. After cooking, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a large bowl.
Preparing the Avocado Sauce
Next, you will make the avocado sauce. Take 2 ripe avocados, pitted and peeled, and place them in a food processor. Add 1/2 cup of fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth. If it seems too thick, slowly add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired creaminess.
Combining and Serving the Dish
Now, it’s time to combine the pasta and sauce. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the avocado sauce. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta well. You can add more reserved pasta water if you want a creamier dish. Taste the pasta and adjust with salt and pepper. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For serving, plate the pasta into bowls. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra cilantro for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful dinner dish!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Choosing Ripe Avocados
When selecting avocados, look for ones that feel slightly soft when you press them. They should yield gently to your fingers. Check the color too; ripe avocados are darker. If they have a few brown spots, that’s okay! Just avoid any with large dents or black patches. If you find hard avocados, leave them at room temperature for a few days to ripen.
How to Perfect the Sauce Consistency
The sauce should be creamy but not too thick. If it feels too heavy, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Start with a tablespoon, blend, and check. Repeat this until you reach the desired smoothness. Be careful not to add too much water at once! You want a silky texture that coats the pasta well.
Ideas for Garnishes
For a pop of color and flavor, top your pasta with halved cherry tomatoes. They add freshness and a juicy bite. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. Extra cilantro on top brightens the dish. If you like cheese, add more grated Parmesan for a richer taste. Enjoy experimenting with different garnishes!
Pro Tips
- Choose Ripe Avocados: Make sure your avocados are ripe for the best flavor and creaminess. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure when squeezed.
- Adjust Consistency: If your avocado sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh cilantro for a vibrant flavor. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, fresh basil or parsley can be great alternatives.
- Garnish Wisely: Enhance the dish by adding fresh cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
Variations
Vegan Version with Nutritional Yeast
For a vegan twist, swap the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast. This choice gives a cheesy flavor without dairy. Nutritional yeast is packed with B vitamins and adds a savory touch. I suggest using 1/4 cup, just like the cheese. Blend it with the other sauce ingredients. This will keep your dish creamy and rich.
Adding Protein Options (Chicken, Shrimp, etc.)
Want to make your pasta heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken or shrimp pairs well with this dish. For chicken, use about 1 cup, diced into small pieces. Sauté it in a bit of olive oil until cooked. For shrimp, use about 1 pound, cooking until pink and firm. Toss the protein into the pasta before serving. This adds flavor and makes the meal more filling.
Spicing it Up with Additional Ingredients
If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and adjust to your taste. You can also add ingredients like jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. For freshness, consider adding halved cherry tomatoes or diced bell peppers. These additions will enhance the dish and make it even more colorful.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To store your leftover Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the pasta first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you wait longer, the avocados may brown.
Reheating Suggestions
When you reheat the pasta, do it gently. Use a microwave or a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or olive oil to help with moisture. Stir often to warm it evenly. This way, the pasta stays creamy and tasty.
Freezing Guidelines
You can freeze this pasta if you want to save it for later. However, the texture may change after thawing. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as possible. It can last for up to a month in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, adding a little water or oil as needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Spaghetti and linguine are great choices, but penne or farfalle work well too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta are also options for a healthier twist.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
To add spice to your sauce, try these ideas:
- Red pepper flakes: Sprinkle in some while mixing the sauce.
- Jalapeños: Add fresh or pickled jalapeños to the food processor.
- Hot sauce: A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can do wonders.
Start with a little and taste as you go. You can always add more heat!
What can I serve with Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta?
This pasta pairs well with many sides:
- Salad: A light green salad with a lemon dressing.
- Grilled veggies: Zucchini or bell peppers add a nice touch.
- Garlic bread: Crunchy bread will complement the creamy pasta.
- Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or beans can make it a full meal.
Mix and match to create a dinner you love!
You now have all the tools to make Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta. We covered each ingredient, so you know what to use and can swap as needed. Cooking steps are easy to follow, ensuring a smooth process. Tips help you choose ripe avocados and create the best texture. Try different variations to suit your taste and store leftovers properly. This dish is versatile and fun, perfect for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventur
Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 2 whole ripe avocados, pitted and peeled
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
- optional cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish
- optional red pepper flakes for added heat
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine avocados, cilantro, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained pasta and avocado sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta completely, adding more reserved pasta water if necessary for a creamier texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Plate the pasta in bowls and garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and extra cilantro for freshness.