Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta

$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. 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. 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. {{ingredient_image_1}} 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. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. {{image_2}} 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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! 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 adventure!$

Avocado Cilantro Lime Pasta

A creamy and refreshing pasta dish made with avocados, cilantro, and lime.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

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.

Notes

For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

Keyword avocado, cilantro, lime, pasta, vegan